An integrated approach to water conservation: fuzzy logic assessment of water tariffs in Abu Dhabi Emirate’s residential sector

Abstract Background Abu Dhabi, a part of the United Arab Emirates, is situated in an arid region where water scarcity is a significant concern. The residential sector in Abu Dhabi consumes a large portion of the available water resources, leading to a critical need for effective water management strategies. This study aims to understand the relationship between water tariffs and water consumption in the residential sector in Abu Dhabi. It employs an integrated fuzzy logic model, a form of artificial intelligence, to assess the impact of water tariffs on water consumption. The model includes variables such as water tariffs, the level of water awareness, the level of water behavior, and the level of technology use. The objective of these variables is to evaluate their impact on the water-saving index, which represents the ratio of daily water consumption per capita in Abu Dhabi to the global average. Results The findings of this study, based on a survey measuring the level of water awareness, behavior, and technology use, revealed a potential strategy for reducing water consumption in Abu Dhabi’s residential sector. It was observed that increasing water tariffs, while maintaining current levels of water awareness, behavior, and technology use, could lead to a reduction in water consumption. However, it was also found that the impact of further tariff increases on water conservation diminishes after a certain threshold, indicating the necessity of a balanced approach in tariff adjustment. Interestingly, the study also highlights that Abu Dhabi residents demonstrate high levels of water behavior and technology use, indicating a positive trend toward water conservation. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of increasing water awareness among Abu Dhabi residents as a means to foster sustainable water consumption practices. While water tariffs can contribute to reductions in water consumption, the effects tend to decrease beyond a certain point. Therefore, a comprehensive approach involving water tariffs, increased water awareness, and the adoption of water-saving technologies may be the most effective strategy for water conservation. The insights from this study extend beyond Abu Dhabi and offer valuable guidance for addressing water conservation challenges worldwide. It highlights the importance of adopting a multi-faceted approach in water management, and the potential for such strategies to have international relevance in the pursuit of sustainable water consumption.