Sustainable Water Consumption Practices among Household Consumers: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to systematically review water-saving practices at the household level and identify effective behavioral, technological, and environmental interventions that influence conservation. Place and Duration of Study: The review was conducted in Negros Occidental between April and June 2025. Methodology: A total of 66 articles were reviewed, with 37 peer-reviewed articles included in the final analysis. Relevant literature was identified using keywords related to household water conservation, including behavioral, technological, and environmental interventions. Studies were screened using the following inclusion criteria: English-language articles and peer-reviewed articles—and evaluated for quality and relevance. A thematic analysis was conducted to extract key findings and implications. Results: The review reveals that sustainable water use is shaped by consumer awareness, motivation, access to technology, and environmental consciousness. Behavioral interventions such as habit formation, education, and social norms influence conservation decisions. The Theory of Planned Behavior explains how attitudes, perceived control, and social expectations affect water-saving behavior. Technological solutions—like low-flow fixtures and efficient appliances—are effective but face barriers such as cost, lack of awareness, and discomfort with new devices. Environmental approaches, including awareness of climate change and ecosystem impacts, further strengthen conservation motivation. Notably, households with stronger environmental and water conservation attitudes reduced water use by as much as 18.6% to 53.0%. Conclusion: Achieving water conservation at the household level requires integrating behavioral change, technology adoption, and environmental awareness into policies and community programs. Understanding the factors that drive water use can help policymakers and utility providers develop more effective and context-specific strategies.