Demand Analysis of Potable Water in the Island Municipality of San Jose, Romblon, 2025

Date

6-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Cenon D. Elca

Committee Member

Geny F. Lapiña, Maria Angeles O. Catelo

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Abstract

Water is a basic need for human survival. However, geographically, small island communities surrounded by seawater have limited access to freshwater sources. This study aimed to analyze the demand for potable water among households in San Jose, Romblon, an island municipality experiencing limited supply of potable water. Specifically, this study aimed to: provide a characterization of potable water users and uses in San Jose, Romblon; estimate the willingness to pay of consumers for a reliable and safe potable supply of water; determine the factors affecting potable water demand of households; and develop recommendations based on the results of the study.

Using survey data from 70 households, this study examined the socio-demographic characteristics of households, daily water consumption across various potable water uses, water costs, frequency of supply, and willingness to pay for improved water services.

Despite generally low and unstable income levels, most households reported relatively high water usage and expressed a strong willingness to pay more for more reliable and safer water. The study also found out that the significant factors influencing water demand were household size, preference for a volumetric pricing model, and number of male members in a household. As supported by existing literature, larger households tend to consume more water, and those with higher usage levels are more inclined to favor volumetric pricing compared to block-rate pricing. However, despite differences in consumption levels, the average monthly water bills remained nearly the same between pricing preference groups. This suggests underlying inefficiencies in the current block-rate pricing system and reflects a lack of awareness among consumers about their actual water usage and its corresponding value. Number of male members in a household was also a negatively significant factor affecting water demand, suggesting that more males are associated with lower water consumption.

To address the potable water supply and demand challenges in San Jose, Romblon, this study recommends the following multi-faceted approach: 1) improvement of water supply reliability and quality through infrastructure development, including sealed pipelines and well-maintained storage; 2) adoption of a revised, possibly volumetric, pricing scheme that reflects actual consumption while ensuring affordability; 3) conducting regular demand assessments through community and barangay-level consultations; 4) proactive planning for seasonal shortages via expanded storage and supplemental sources; and 5) incorporation of environmental and behavioral variables in future research to support sustainable water management policies.

Language

English

LC Subject

Water consumption, Water-supply—Economic aspects, Supply and demand

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 A14 T35

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Document Type

Thesis

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