IMPACT OF TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION ON URBAN HOUSEHOLD WATER CONSUMPTION: THE CASE OF COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

Abstract

Nowadays, water has become a limited and crucial resource, and the demand and consumption of water are increasing day by day due to rapid population growth and urbanization. Several studies have revealed that many socioeconomic, cultural and environmental factors affect household water consumption. The studies that have been conducted in Sri Lanka have focused on the effects of socioeconomic and demographic factors on household water consumption, but the changes in water consumption patterns due to environmental and climatic factors have not been focused on. Therefore, through this study, the impact of environmental temperature and precipitation patterns on household water consumption is analyzed. The effect of temperature and rainfall on the monthly average water consumption of fifty household units selected by judgement sampling in the Jinthupitiya Grama Niladhari Division of Colombo divisional secretarial was assessed. The main objective was to identify the temporal variation in water consumption. Time series analysis was used to identify the temporal variability of water consumption in the study area, and multiple regression analysis and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used to identify the relationship between climatic variables and water consumption. As a result of statistical analysis, a negative correlation (r=-0.04) was identified between precipitation and household water consumption, and a positive correlation (r=0.285) was identified between temperature and household water consumption. However, with future climate changes, the frequency and intensity of extreme events in temperature and precipitation may increase unexpectedly. Therefore, household water management is an urgent need to conserve water resources.