Abstract:

This article aims to assess the demand for potable water within a specific Algerian municipality by employing a quantile-based approach. To accomplish this, the study uses data obtained from billing records of 172 randomly selected households, provided by the Algerian Water Company (ADE-Bejaia). The findings of the study reveal crucial insights regarding the factors influencing water demand. The estimated price elasticity is determined to be 0.6, indicating that a 10% increase in the price of water results in a 6% reduction in demand. Additionally, the presence of alternative water sources exhibits a negative impact on consumption, particularly among households situated in the lower quantiles. The size of the household and the area of the dwelling also exert significant effects on water consumption patterns. Moreover, the study highlights the temporal variations in water consumption, with the lowest levels observed in March while consumption patterns fluctuate across different quarters of the year. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into understanding and managing potable water demand within the municipality of Tichy, thereby informing decision-making processes related to pricing mechanisms and resource allocation for sustainable water management.

Keywords: Potable water, water demand, water price, households, Algeria