1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In recent decades, the world has witnessed profound shifts in water usage patterns, influenced by various factors such as population growth, economic development, climate change, and technological advancements. These shifts have underscored the importance of comprehensive studies to analyze and forecast domestic water demand accurately. By integrating data-driven methodologies, socio-economic analyses, and hydrological modeling, researchers have strived to unravel the intricate relationships between demographic trends, consumption behavior, and water availability.
Gleick et al. (2010) emphasized the significance of adopting a holistic approach to water management, considering not only the physical aspects but also the socio-economic and political dimensions. The study highlighted the necessity of understanding consumer behaviors, cultural norms, and institutional frameworks shaping water demand dynamics at the household level. Furthermore, it underscored the importance of implementing demand-side management strategies, including water conservation measures and pricing mechanisms, to mitigate the growing pressure on dwindling water resources. Moreover, advancements in technology have revolutionized water supply systems, enabling more efficient extraction, treatment, and distribution processes.
Population growth, particularly in urban areas, exerts significant pressure on domestic water resources. According to the United Nations, the global urban population is expected to reach 68% by 2050, emphasizing the need for robust urban water management strategies (United Nations, 2018). Rapid urbanization leads to increased demand for water-intensive activities such as sanitation, hygiene, and industrial production, exacerbating the strain on existing water infrastructure (United Nations, 2018). The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030, necessitating concerted efforts from governments, NGOs, and the private sector to bridge the gap between demand and supply, especially in underserved areas.
The sustainability of socially sensitive items, like water, depends on the effective and efficient use of the water resources that are already accessible. Water is crucial to maintaining the quality of life on Earth. Amin and Mahmud (2011) also noted that the world's extensive use of water has increased and that the effectiveness of supply-side measures is questionable due to dramatic increases in population, technological advancement, and economic growth; the demand for water supplies is constantly rising, and many researchers have placed more emphasis on water demand management than supply-side management. We can calculate the amount by which the demand for water supplies will increase thanks to the study on water demand and supply.
The sustainable management of Residential Water Supply and Demand Level is a multifaceted challenge with profound implications for human health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. Against the backdrop of population growth, urbanization, climate change, and technological advancements, understanding the complex interplay between Residential Water Supply and Demand Level is imperative for achieving water security and sustainable development goals.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that climate change exacerbates water scarcity and variability, posing additional challenges to domestic water supply. Changes in precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events impact the quantity and quality of available freshwater resources. Regions already vulnerable to water stress face heightened risks of water shortages, exacerbating competition for limited water supplies among various sectors, including domestic use. Technological innovations play a pivotal role in optimizing domestic water supply systems and enhancing efficiency. Advances in water treatment technologies, distribution networks, and smart metering enable utilities to monitor consumption patterns, detect leaks, and optimize resource allocation in real-time. Integration of data analytics and remote sensing techniques facilitates informed decision-making and proactive management of water resources (UNDP, 2023). Thus, this research tends to contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies for sustainable domestic water management.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to analyze the Residential Water Supply and Demand Level. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To evaluate factors influencing domestic water consumption behavior;
- To examine the impact of climate change on domestic water supply;
- To assess patterns and trends in domestic water demand;
- To enhance resilience in domestic water supply systems; and
- To identify opportunities for water demand management and efficiency improvements.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the factors influencing domestic water consumption behavior?
- What is the impact of climate change on domestic water supply?
- What are the patterns and trends in domestic water demand?
- How resilience is domestic water supply systems?
- What are the opportunities for water demand management and efficiency improvements?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Implementation of water demand management strategies does not lead to reductions in domestic water consumption.
- H1: Implementation of water demand management strategies leads to reductions in domestic water consumption.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no significant correlation between population growth and domestic water demand
- H0: There is a significant correlation between population growth and domestic water demand
1.6 Significance of Study
The significance of studying Residential Water Supply and Demand Level lies in its critical importance for sustainable development, public health, and environmental conservation. By unraveling the complexities of water dynamics at the household level, this study aims to inform evidence-based policies, interventions, and management strategies that address pressing water challenges and promote resilience in water systems. This section elucidates the significance of the study, drawing upon empirical evidence and scholarly literature.
- Informing Water Policy and Governance: A comprehensive understanding of Residential Water Supply and Demand Level dynamics is essential for informing water policy formulation and governance frameworks at local, national, and international levels. By providing empirical evidence on factors influencing water consumption behavior, resource availability, and infrastructure needs, the study contributes to the development of effective policies and regulations aimed at promoting sustainable water management practices (Bakker, 2003; Hurlimann & Dolnicar, 2019).
- Enhancing Water Security and Resilience: Understanding the dynamics of Residential Water Supply and Demand Level is essential for enhancing water security and resilience in the face of climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. By identifying vulnerabilities, risks, and opportunities within domestic water systems, the study facilitates the development of adaptive strategies, infrastructure investments, and community resilience initiatives aimed at mitigating water-related risks and ensuring reliable access to clean water resources (Carter et al., 2020; Wesselink et al., 2021).
- Promoting Social Equity and Inclusive Development: Access to clean and reliable water services is a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for achieving social equity and inclusive development. By examining factors influencing water access and affordability, the study contributes to the identification of barriers and inequalities within domestic water systems, thereby guiding interventions aimed at ensuring equitable access to water resources for all segments of society, including marginalized and vulnerable communities (Sultana & Loftus, 2012; Mukhtarov et al., 2019).
Furthermore, this study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Analysis of the Residential Water Supply and Demand Level.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Water Supply:
Water supply refers to the provision of clean and potable water for domestic, industrial, agricultural, and environmental purposes. It encompasses the entire process of water extraction, treatment, distribution, and delivery to end-users, including households, communities, and industries. Water supply systems comprise infrastructure, such as reservoirs, treatment plants, pipelines, pumps, and storage facilities, designed to ensure reliable access to safe drinking water (Grafton et al., 2011; Hope et al., 2017).
Domestic Water Demand:
Domestic water demand refers to the quantity of water required by households for various purposes, including drinking, cooking, sanitation, hygiene, and household activities. It encompasses both the volume of water consumed by households and the patterns of water use behavior, influenced by factors such as household size, socio-economic status, and lifestyle choices (Gleick, 1996; Haddad et al., 2003).
