Integration of behavioural change into demand forecasting and water efficiency practices

Abstract

This project investigated the way customers use water and the effect that behaviours, practices and habits have on demand for water and how understanding these behaviours could improve efforts to reduce household water use.

Project data was collected by surveying 1000 customers, then logging a sample of 62 properties at high resolution to determine their microcomponents of water use. These data enabled the development of a statistical model which explains about 50% of the variation in household demand. The work was supported by a literature review as well as consultation with water companies on their current approaches to gathering customer data.

Guidance is provided in a proposed framework for including behavioural factors in demand forecasts, which is consistent with the WRMP19 guidance on household consumption forecasts. The project also provides best practice guidance for customer surveys, giving companies a method for collecting consistent (and comparable) household data from customer surveys. Guidance for targeting water efficiency activities at different groups of customers based on sub-daily water use behaviour is also provided.

Publishing

UKWIR Reference:- 16/WR/01/15

Published Date:- 19/10/2016

Retail Price (£):- 10

ISBN:- 1 84057 824 6

 

Supporting Material

   16WR0115-Data-Files

 APPENDICES 

This project investigated the way customers use water and the effect that behaviours, practices and habits have on demand for water and how understanding these behaviours could improve efforts to reduce household water use.

Project data was collected by surveying 1000 customers, then logging a sample of 62 properties at high resolution to determine their microcomponents of water use. These data enabled the development of a statistical model which explains about 50% of the variation in household demand. The work was supported by a literature review as well as consultation with water companies on their current approaches to gathering customer data.

Guidance is provided in a proposed framework for including behavioural factors in demand forecasts, which is consistent with the WRMP19 guidance on household consumption forecasts. The project also provides best practice guidance for customer surveys, giving companies a method for collecting consistent (and comparable) household data from customer surveys. Guidance for targeting water efficiency activities at different groups of customers based on sub-daily water use behaviour is also provided.