Identifying the water conservation potential of neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona: An integrated socio-spatial approach

Abstract

A key strategy for sustainable water resource management in cities is enhancing water use efficiencies in the residential sector, which accounts for a significant portion of overall demand. Through a novel approach integrating metered water use with social survey data in a Geographic Information System, we examine how residents perceptions about water consumption correspond to actual residential demand in Phoenix, Arizona neighborhoods. By integrating disparate research approaches, we develop a typology characterizing the socio-spatial relationship between water use, perceptions, and additional determinants of neighborhood water demand. Our findings reveal areas where perceptions do and do not correspond with actual water use rates, thereby informing conservation efforts. Of critical importance to water managers, we pinpoint areas where reducing high consumption rates are confounded by residents perceptions of low usage rates.