The Assessment of Climate Variables and Geographical Distribution on Residential Drinking Water Demand in Ethiopia

Abstract

Water managers have increasingly shown that demand management solutions are more important than searching for alternative sources to resolve the challenges and shortages of water supply services. This study identifies the impact of climate variables on residential water demand in three geographically and spatially dispersed towns (Arba Minch, Ziway, and Debre Birhan) in Ethiopia. Monthly mean temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation are analyzed using multivariate regression models to identify and evaluate the impacts of the parameters on water consumption. Principal component analysis (PCA) is also used to determine the dominant independent variable affecting the rate of water consumption. Mean temperature is shown to be the dominant variable causing the changes in water consumption in Arba Minch. The water consumption at Debre Birhan is slightly affected by relative humidity. Analyzed climate variables do not affect the water consumption changes at Ziway. The main findings of this paper show that geographical distribution and other determinants are more important determinants of residential water demand. It is concluded that the analyzed climate variables are not the dominant determinants which impact drinking water consumption at the study sites. Thus, it is recommended to include relevant information about the climate variables alongside other determinants in order to enhance the water management system in evaluating and auditing water usage.

Examine the Prospects of Residential Water Demand Management Policy Regulations in Ethiopia: Implications for Sustainable Water Resource Management

“…This study serves as a continuation of two previous articles [15,25], conducted as part of the first author's PhD research. The findings and insights gained from these articles are integral to the current study.…”

“…According to Timotewos et, al. [25], the motivation for the study stems from the need to understand the factors contributing to the scarcity of water and the challenges faced by residents in urban areas of Ethiopia in accessing drinking water supply services. This understanding ensures better governance and helps to safeguard the long-term sustainability and access of Ethiopian people to drinkable water.…”

“…This study focuses on the water demand management policy status of the current Ethiopian government. Building on previous studies [15,25] and addressing the gaps identified, the research aims to provide comprehensive insights into the issues surrounding water scarcity and demand management in Ethiopian urban areas. The ultimate goal is to propose practical guidelines, solutions, and strategies that can be implemented by residents, water managers, and municipalities to ensure more efficient and sustainable use of water resources.…”

“…Furthermore, utilizing data gathered from three urban areas within the country, this study prioritizes specific short-term and long-term solutions that need to be addressed. The examination of climate parameters further emphasized that the challenges extend beyond supply-side issues, with insufficient attention given to demand-side challenges in addressing the growing demands effectively [25]. Limited awareness among residents regarding the management of their water supply was also identified.…”

Setting a Baseline Residential Water Demand Management Solution in Urban Towns of Ethiopia

“…As a result of rapid population and industrial growth, the demand for water by the domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors continues to rise while water availability continues to decline, further complicated by competing users, environmental degradation, and climate change [9]. A recent study by Timotewos MT et al [42] demonstrated that the impacts of topographical distribution and other anthropogenic activities on water demand are more significant than climate change in Arba Minch, Debre Birhan, and Ziway. The assessed water demand management measures from other nations, as shown in Table 1, mostly focus on educating the community to use less water.…”