Assessment of Water use Efficiency in the Household Using Cluster Analysis. (2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jorge, Catarina; Vieira, Paula; Rebelo, Margarida; Covas, Dídia
• Is Part Of: Procedia engineering. Volume 119(2015)
• Page Start: 820
• Page End: 827
• Publication Date: 2015
• Subjects: Water use efficiency -- household -- domestic consumption -- cluster analysis -- socio-demographic variables; Engineering -- Congresses; Engineering -- Periodicals; Engineering; Conference proceedings; Periodicals; 620.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2015.08.945
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1877-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Concerns over the efficiency of household water use have been increasing worldwide: water is intensively consumed with high inefficiencies. Detailed methodologies for the assessment of consumers' behaviour that include the level of efficiency comparatively to their peers (i.e., similar socio-demographic characteristics) are needed to increase public awareness and to develop strategies related to the efficient use of water. This paper presents a methodology for evaluating the efficiency of indoor domestic water use based on peer comparison. Peer groups were established through cluster analyses according to their relevant socio-demographic characteristics. Finally, the most efficient consumers were identified and water efficiency levels were determined for individual households.