Influencing attitudes and changing consumers' household water consumption behaviour

Abstract

Programs for demand management have become critical following extended water shortage in Australia. Changing attitudes is a major element of water conservation programs. Information and education are likely to be necessary but not sufficient components of any program for behaviour change. A combination of factors is needed to promote water saving behaviour. Changing the behaviours of less responsive water users requires a better understanding of what shapes water conservation behaviours. Programs and conservation behaviour models need to take account of both ‘internal’ influences, such as attitudes and habits, and ‘external’ influences, such as the water delivery environment, pricing and social norms for water use.