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Water for daily life: Estimating basic household water needs in Lima and Quito

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  • Bagnoli, Lisa
  • Pasman, Clara
  • Serebrisky, Tomás
  • Solís Sosa, Ben

Abstract

This paper estimates the basic water needs, understood as the volume of water necessary to fulfill a household's core domestic activities, among low-income households in Lima (Peru) and Quito (Ecuador). It utilizes water utility records, detailed socioeconomic characteristics from a novel survey, and climate variables. In Lima, basic water needs are estimated at 15.9 m3 per household in July (winter) and 17.8 m3 in January (summer). With fewer seasonal variations in Quito, basic water needs are 20.2 m3 per household in both months. These results provide important insights for the design of water policies and tariff structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Bagnoli, Lisa & Pasman, Clara & Serebrisky, Tomás & Solís Sosa, Ben, 2025. "Water for daily life: Estimating basic household water needs in Lima and Quito," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:95:y:2025:i:c:s0957178725000554
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2025.101940
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