Drinking water consumption habits during intermittent service in Sector Riberas de Sacramento, Chihuahua, Mexico

Abstract

The perception of a service provided can be obtained using subjective surveys based on the population’s physical, economic and social characteristics. This study focuses on the use of standardized surveys to obtain users’ perception of a drinking water service, as well as measuring domestic consumption with water meters and pressure data, using specialized recorders to identify daily patterns in water use and consumption. Factors can be identified indicating drinking water use patterns among the sector’s inhabitants throughout the day, week and month, and taking climatic factors into account, by analyzing consumption habits and the related measurements. An important point that is defined is the demand factor, to indicate key points in estimating existing and future demand based on an intermittent supply. The study includes a proposal for a management model based on the demand factor, with which the sector’s consumption needs are solved and drinking water supply is efficient. The results obtained gave us an overview of water losses, awareness of the value of the drinking water service, and the users’ interest in taking care of it.