Influence of household socioeconomic region and resident type on end use water consumption levels

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a pilot end use water consumption study conducted on the Gold Coast, Australia. Specifically, it aimed to explore the degree of influence of household socioeconomic regions and resident type on end use water consumption levels. Data analysis revealed that higher socioeconomic regions had lower levels of water consumption. End use analysis demonstrated that clothes washing consumption decreases with increasing socioeconomic status and that dishwashing and tap use were unaffected by socioeconomic region. Moreover, the study revealed that households with couples consumed significantly more water on a litre per capita per day basis, than those with families or share houses. Recommendations for further study into the impact of a range of collected socioeconomic and demographic factors on end use water consumption levels are outlined.