Date of Defense
16-6-2026 4:00 PM
Location
F1-1117
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Science in Water Resources
College
COE
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Prof. Mohamed Mostafa Ahmed Mohamed
Keywords
Domestic Water Consumption, Water Tariff, COVID-19 Pandemic, Forecasting, ARIMA Model.
Abstract
The study of domestic water consumption is of critical importance, particularly in hot and arid regions where limited natural water resources and growing demand place increasing pressure on water supply systems. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi, represents an important case study, as domestic water demand is a major concern for policymakers and water resource managers. The emirate experiences an extremely arid climate and depends heavily on desalination to satisfy water requirements across all sectors. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic water consumption in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain City during the period 2020–2024. In addition, the study examines the effects of water tariff reforms implemented in 2015, 2016, and 2017 on household water demand. Data obtained from the Statistical Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) were analysed using Minitab Statistical Software (Version 22.4.0). Time-series analysis was performed using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to evaluate changes in household water demand patterns associated with these factors.
The results indicate that the water tariff reforms had an effect on household water demand during the 2015–2017 period. Furthermore, domestic water consumption was found to be higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase can be attributed to several factors, including extended periods spent at home and changes in daily routines, particularly the adoption of enhanced personal hygiene practices. Collectively, these behavioural changes contributed to increased household water consumption during the pandemic. The findings are further supported by the results of a survey conducted as part of this research. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights into the factors influencing domestic water demand and offer practical guidance for policymakers and stakeholders involved in the planning, management, and sustainable development of future water resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Included in
QUANTIFYING THE IMPACTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND WATER TARIFF REFORMS ON DOMESTIC WATER CONSUMPTION IN THE EMIRATE OF ABU-DHABI
F1-1117
The study of domestic water consumption is of critical importance, particularly in hot and arid regions where limited natural water resources and growing demand place increasing pressure on water supply systems. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi, represents an important case study, as domestic water demand is a major concern for policymakers and water resource managers. The emirate experiences an extremely arid climate and depends heavily on desalination to satisfy water requirements across all sectors. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic water consumption in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain City during the period 2020–2024. In addition, the study examines the effects of water tariff reforms implemented in 2015, 2016, and 2017 on household water demand. Data obtained from the Statistical Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) were analysed using Minitab Statistical Software (Version 22.4.0). Time-series analysis was performed using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model to evaluate changes in household water demand patterns associated with these factors.
The results indicate that the water tariff reforms had an effect on household water demand during the 2015–2017 period. Furthermore, domestic water consumption was found to be higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase can be attributed to several factors, including extended periods spent at home and changes in daily routines, particularly the adoption of enhanced personal hygiene practices. Collectively, these behavioural changes contributed to increased household water consumption during the pandemic. The findings are further supported by the results of a survey conducted as part of this research. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights into the factors influencing domestic water demand and offer practical guidance for policymakers and stakeholders involved in the planning, management, and sustainable development of future water resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.