Work

Modelling Consumer Demand in Intermittent Water Supply (IWS) Networks: Evidence from Nepal

Year: 2024

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Modelling consumer demand under intermittent water supply (IWS) is an unresolved challenge. To understand withdrawal behaviours in more detail, fifty-six smart meters were installed in households across an IWS network in Lahan, Nepal. The most frequent withdrawal type was small withdrawals (median two litres), while large tank-filling-type behaviours contributed significantly to a household’s overall water consumption. Behaviour was highly heterogeneous; households with large storage tanks tended to practice tank-filling behaviour significantly more than those without. Consequently, a one-size-fits-all approach to consumer demand modelling may not always be appropriate and could lead to unrealistic predictions of supply inequality.

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024069038

Authors: Matthew MacRorie, Sally Weston, Kabindra Pudasaini, Robin Price, Vanessa Speight, Richard Collins

Institutions: University of Sheffield, University of Bristol, Anglian Water Services (United Kingdom)

Language: English

Topic: Water resources management and optimization

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Award: G1785699318