Determinants of bottled water consumption at home in Tunis: A double-hurdle approach

In Tunisia, the demand for bottled water has increased remarkably. A 2022 survey conducted in Tunis revealed that 85% of respondents preferred bottled water for drinking at home. This study aims to identify the factors influencing bottled water demand using double-hurdle and Heckman models. The results highlight water quality, household income, and the presence of infants and elderly parents as key determinants, with water quality being the most significant. The study demonstrates a clear negative correlation between tap water quality and both the likelihood and quantity of bottled water consumption. These findings suggest that the national water utility should consider investing in advanced technologies to improve tap water quality and reduce reliance on bottled water.