Determinants of domestic water consumption in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2017-01, Vol.142, p.1901-1910
• Main Authors: Ojeda de la Cruz, Arturo, Alvarez-Chavez, Clara Rosalia, Ramos-Corella, Marco A., Soto-Hernandez, Fernando
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Housing; Measurement; Per capita; Water consumption
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.11.094

This article presents a cross-sectional study that explored the determinants of domestic water consumption in Hermosillo, Mexico in a continuous 24-h water supply. A probability sample with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% was established by applying a 65 question survey to collect data on 403 households. Consecutively, the model reflecting the water consumption in Hermosillo households was identified through a multiple regression analysis using ordinary least squares (OLS). The analysis revealed that the statistically significant variables that explain the domestic water consumption in the home with a share of 31.6% were low water cost, number of bathrooms in the household, measured service supply, use of purified bottled water per week in households, and the number of female inhabitants. After obtaining the model, the monthly water consumption was calculated in a group of houses throughout the equation to compare it with the water consumption measured by the operating agency, and it showed an acceptable approximation (78–90%). The results contribute to improving the current understanding of factors influencing the use of the vital liquid, and they may be useful in the development of policies to promote the sustainable use of water resources. •The consumption of water in households of a city of the Sonoran Desert (Mexico), was estimated using a statistical model.•Variables of the model are circumscribed on the characteristics of housing, cost of water, Gender, and water supply service.•The model is useful in the design of policies aimed at improving the distribution of drinking water in cities.•Estimated household water consumption model showed a degree of certainty of 78–90%.