Awareness, Knowledge, and Perceptions on Water Conservation and their Relationship to Residential Water Use in Los Baños, Laguna, 2024

Date

6-2024

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Arvin B. Vista

Committee Member

Geny F. Lapiña, Maria Angeles O. Catelo

Abstract

This study analyzed household-level awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of water conservation and their relationship with residential water use in Los Baños, Laguna. Specifically, it described the residential water use of households in Los Baños, Laguna by determining their household profile, water end-uses, and average monthly water consumption and billing. The study assessed the awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of household heads regarding water conservation and examined their relationship with residential water use. Recommendations were based on primary data, descriptive analysis, multiple regression analysis, and correlation analysis. Data were collected from 68 households, analyzing their water consumption patterns, household profiles, water end-uses, and conservation practices. Using descriptive analysis, key findings indicate a typical household size of four, with significant portions of water used for laundry (31%) and personal hygiene (25%). The average water consumption was 29 cubic meters per month, with higher-income households consuming more water. All households employed at least one water-conserving appliance or strategy, primarily using the pail-and-dipper method for showering. The assessment of household awareness on water conservation revealed that 65% are aware of the concept and importance of water conservation and about 26% remain neutral. From the knowledge assessment, it was concluded that household heads with good and fair knowledge on water conservation are both 31% of the respondents, which indicates that the majority of the household heads either have a good grasp of the concept and likely understand its importance or had a basic knowledge of water conservation but had limited knowledge of specific conservation strategies. Although there is generally a positive perception towards water conservation, household heads are neutral with regards to incorporating water conservation practices into their daily routine as well as in the assessment of support or resources available to help them conserve water effectively. Awareness and perception on water conservation showed little to no correlation with residential water use, while knowledge on water conservation had a moderate positive correlation. The study concludes that while there is a general awareness and positive perception of water conservation among households in Los Baños, Laguna, there is a need for increased educational efforts and targeted initiatives to enhance specific knowledge and overcome implementation barriers. Crosstabulation further revealed that households with higher incomes tend to have greater knowledge on water conservation. However, residential water use patterns show that higher-income households tend to consume more water. Despite the high awareness and perception of the importance of water conservation, practical implementation remains inconsistent, highlighting the necessity for further support and resources to facilitate the integration of conservation practices into daily routines. The findings underscore the importance of addressing economic disparities in water consumption and promoting sustainable water management practices to achieve broader conservation goals in the municipality.

Language

English

LC Subject

Water use, Water conservation

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2024 A14 D38

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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