Residential Water Conservation in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Reducing the daily water usage can lead to cost saving by cutting down the necessary energy to process and deliver fresh water to urban areas including houses, schools, businesses and farms. It also assists in protecting the natural environment due to the reduction in the amount of water from natural environments that is used. Clean water is a central human need because it is needed for cooking, cleaning and washing as well as agricultural activities. However, sources of this precious commodity are limited in Saudi Arabia due to the country’s location in a hot desert and the lack of rain. As a result, conservation of what is available is necessary to ensure that the country can continue to exist. Water preservation is central to the enhancement of environmental sustainability and enabling the country to exist in the future. It is an essential knowledge that water resources offer an important reason for life existence. The aim of this dissertation is to evaluate the different factors that are essential in reducing residential water consumption in Saudi Arabia through efficient technological development and behavioural change. Two main parts of the dissertation discuss the potential value of reducing water consumption within domestic areas and the different factors affecting the questions posed, evidence examined, and insights generated by researching: Part 1: How technological changes can impact water consumption within domestic areas (on a daily use) with remaining a high level of performance. Part 2: How cultural behavioural changes can impact the water consumption within domestic areas (on a daily use). The research questions were addressed using a quantitative survey targeting individuals living in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was administered online and the results analysed to identify the key aspects of water usage in Saudi Arabia and how it can be conserved. A sample of 304 respondents was used in the study and the results indicated that most people are moderately familiar with their water consumption levels. The need for water conservation is identified as a major issue with the number of people in a household being a key contributing factor for the high consumption level. Behavioural changes and technology use are cited as key elements that should be implemented to improve the level of water conservation. Saudi Arabia has an unsustainable level of water consumption that should be addressed through measures to lower the demand such as increasing the prices charged. Demand management is also important as a factor for addressing the challenge facing Saudi Arabia. The survey also indicates a need for measures to lower wastage of water by deploying conservation technology at homes and in the supply networks to enhance early repairs.