Water demand management strategies in fast-growing cities. The case of Arequipa, Perú

ABSTRACT

Using a socioenvironmental perspective, this paper analyses strategies of water demand management (WDM) in Arequipa, Peru, and their perception by residents through a survey of six city districts (three in the core and three on the periphery) complemented with interviews with key stakeholders. The results show significant differences in WDM. Strategies to reduce demand through pricing are dominant. Domestic water-saving technologies are uncommon, and awareness campaigns are limited to periods of water stress. Despite differences in water access, improvements in water networks (leak repair, adequate water pressure and continuous supply) are the most demanded actions by residents.

KEYWORDS:

• Water demand management
• fast-growing cities
• urban formal and informal areas
• public perception
• Latin America

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the editor and the anonymous reviewers for their valuable criticisms, comments and suggestions on previous versions of the manuscript. We appreciate also comments and suggestions provided by professors Rutgerd Boelens, Jeroen Vos and Lena Hommes of the Water Resources Management Group, Wageningen University & Research. We also thank Cinthya Butrón, Valkiria Ibarcena, Ronald Mendoza, Guido Sarmiento, Cristian Zapana and Lalo Monzón for their support with the surveys in Arequipa. The first author also acknowledges the support of the National Program of Scholarships and Educational Credit of the Peruvian Ministry of Education.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Interviews

Representative of SEDAPAR (Drinking Water and Sewerage Service of Arequipa), date of interview 30 October 2018.

Representative of SUNASS (National Superintendence of Sanitation Services), date of interview 26 November 2018.

Executive Manager, AUTODEMA (Autonomous Authority of the Majes-Siguas water supply project), date of interview 5 October 2018.

President of Salud del Sur Housing Association from Yura district, date of interview 5 November 2018.

President of Villa Tambo Housing Association from Yura district, date of interview 5 November 2018.