Analysis of a current water tariff and attitudes towards change: A representative study from a Palestinian city

Abstract

AbstractThe problem of an outdated tariff has become acute recently with increased water scarcity in Palestine. Therefore, the goals of the study were to analyse the factors that could affect the water consumption in Jericho governorate, Palestine; explore societal perceptions of alternative water sources; and to identify areas that need to be re‐examined for tariff revision or changes to water source and delivery. A total of 76% of the respondents know the water tariff price, and 61% of the sample considers the tariff as high. Future suggestions to raise the price of water will meet resistance. Interestingly, 66% of the respondents agree with the possible future use of treated wastewater, and 46% of the respondents emphasize that treated wastewater is the most favoured solution for water scarcity. Overall, the results indicate the public identifies water conservation as possible and that alternative actions can be applied in order to manage and conserve water resources.