Assessment of domestic consumption in intermittent water supply networks: Case study of Puerto Ayora (Galápagos Islands)

Maria Fernanda Reyes*, Nemanja Trifunović, Saroj Kumar Sharma, Maria D. Kennedy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Intermittent water distribution systems are a stark reality in developing countries. Puerto Ayora, the centre of tourism of the Galápagos Archipelago, is not an exception, with its population and tourists suffering from scarce water resources. However, the extreme per capita consumptions, well above those in 24/7 supply situations in many other countries, contradict the (sense of) scarcity. In this study, 18 water meters were installed and a water-appliance diary was carried out in 15 randomly selected households in Puerto Ayora. The aim was to determine and analyse domestic water consumption, as well as the diurnal patterns, also by verifying per capita figures ranging from 40 to 380 litres per capita per day from a previous study. Also, the aim was to find a correlation between the consumption and schedules of distribution conducted by the municipality. The paper also elaborates on typical household appliances used, and gives an insight about a wide range of domestic demands in a predominantly water-scarce area. The conclusions indicate no influence of the specific intermittency patterns to the specific demand, but rather a wide range of different lifestyles, the possible presence of informal accommodations and excessive wastage.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)673-683
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Water Supply: Research and Technology. Aqua
Volume66
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Domestic demand patterns
  • Galápagos
  • Intermittent supply
  • Specific water demand
  • Water appliance

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