Variations in domestic water consumption in Hyderabad, India

The sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) emphasizes the importance of universal access to water and sanitation, with a particular focus on ensuring an equitable daily water supply. We examine water consumption patterns in Hyderabad, India, with a focus on seasonal and spatial variations in daily per capita water consumption. The study employs one-sample t-tests and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) to investigate water consumption levels. A primary survey of 440 households was conducted in Hyderabad, divided into 31 circles. The perceived water usage data were collected from households to study consumption patterns. The study finds that the Service Level Benchmark (SLB) of 135 liters per capita per day (LPCD) for Indian cities corresponds to annual and winter averages at the household level. Significant variation from 135 LPCD was observed during the summer and rainy seasons in the surveyed households. Household characteristics, building characteristics, water sources, supply characteristics, coping mechanisms, appliances, and consumer behavior impact water consumption in households. The study highlights the need to consider seasonal demands and spatial scales (household, circle, and city levels) for effective water management. The findings indicate that the SLB of 135 LPCD corresponds to the water demands at larger spatial scales, such as the city and the circle. However, it has limited relevance at smaller spatial scales, such as the household level. The study helps to understand how per capita water consumption varies across seasons and spatial scales in an Indian city. The study of these spatial and seasonal consumption variations helps in the effective planning and implementation of water supply projects.