How to Apply the Theory of Planned Behavior in Explaining the Pattern of Domestic Water Consumption

Abstract

Supply-oriented water management alone cannot support the future water security of cities. Therefore, the demand management strategy based on understanding the household water consumption patterns and changing the behavior of water users has emphasized. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of domestic water demand management research and review and critique the results of the article published in Iran- Water Resources Research Journal entitled "Comparison of psychological factors affecting the residential water curtailment behaviors and water-efficiency behaviors; case study of Tehran, Iran." In this paper, the effectiveness of using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model in explaining water consumption behavior is questioned, and the reason for achieving such results is dug deeper. Concisely, the behavior variable in the studies of domestic water demand management should be measured on actual water consumption via volumetric metering, and use of self-reported consumption pattern can lead to invalid results. The TPB model is more reliable in determining the adoption of water efficiency behaviors like installing water-saving devices. Besides, understanding the impact-likelihood of potential water conservation behaviors, designing specific action plans to adopt more effective conservation behaviors are of paramount importance.

Keywords

• Demand Management, Curtailment Behavior,  Water Efficiency Behavior, Volumetric Metering, Intention-Behavior Gap

Full Text