Int. J. Hydrology Science and Technology, Vol. X, No. Y, xxxx 1
Copyright © 20XX Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
Urban water consumption in water-stressed areas of
the developed world: an examination of multiple
interrelated variables
Alvaro-Francisco Morote* and
María Hernández
Interuniversity Institute of Geography,
University of Alicante,
Carretera de Sant Vicent del Raspeig,
s/n – Apartado 99, (03080), Alicante, Spain
Email: alvaro.morote@ua.es
Email: maria.hernandez@ua.es
*Corresponding author
Saeid Eslamian
Department of Water Engineering,
Isfahan University of Technology,
HezarJerib st., 81746, Isfahán, Iran
Email: prof.s.eslamian@gmail.com
Abstract: The developed world has witnessed significant land changes since
the second half of the 20th century. These include a process of intensive urban
development, which is also accompanied by the growth in the urban population
and housing. One of the outcomes of this process has been an increase in the
consumption of resources, including water. The aim of this paper is to identify
and analyse the factors affecting water consumption and the areas studied in
water-stressed regions of the developed world. A literature review of territorial
studies examining the factors that affect urban water consumption in these
areas was conducted methodologically. The results reveal that: a) a significant
number of papers have been written on water consumption factors in areas
where there is substantial urban growth; and b) North America and Australia,
have been compared to the rest of the developed world (especially Southern
Europe), recently (since 2000s) due to the expansion of the low-density
urbanism in the last few years.
Keywords: water; urban; factors; consumption; water-stressed areas;
developed world.
Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Morote, A-F.,
Hernández, M. and Eslamian, S. (xxxx) ‘Urban water consumption in
water-stressed areas of the developed world: an examination of multiple
interrelated variables’, Int. J. Hydrology Science and Technology, Vol. X,
No. Y, pp.xxx–xxx.
Biographical notes: Alvaro-Francisco Morote is a Researcher in the
Interuniversity Institute of Geography at the University of Alicante, Spain. His
research interests include studies about water consumption, the urbanisation
process, and the study about the relation about new urban natures (gardens and
pools) with water demand and natural hazards.