Water Consumption Patterns in Greater Kuala Lumpur: Potential for Reduction

Abstract

This study analyses residential water consumption data from Greater Kuala Lumpur obtained through a questionnaire-based survey. The data was analyzed by simple statistical analysis and Pearson Correlation Coefficient Analysis to find out the relationship between water consumption and socio-economic variables. The study found that per capita water consumption in the Greater Kuala Lumpur was 288 litres per day with a standard deviation of 73.9. The results indicated water consumption strongly varied by using different water equipments (such as low shower head, dual flush etc.) among the surveyed households. There was a positive significant relationship between water consumption and household size. The study also found a huge potential for water consumption reduction with the use of efficient water consuming equipment which specify 33%, 29% and 36% reduction by using low shower head, dual flush toilet and stopping a running tap respectively. The study provides an insight option for decision makers and civil society into the patterns of residential water consumption and the potential to reduce it.