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Romero Daza, Alex Esteban (2025) The Hidden Cost of Free Water: Domestic water waste and infrastructure challenges. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.
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Abstract
This research is focusing on household water consumption in Dublin, as well as their levels of public awareness and perceptions with a system where water usage has historically been without a direct cost. Even though, this policy ensures every resident can access domestic water, it has also increased misconceptions of this valuable resource, reduced public understanding of infrastructure issues and diminished conservation governance efforts in the country (Irish Examiner, 2012). Furthermore, the study investigates the impact of the absence of direct billing affects residents behaviours, conservation attitudes and willingness for a potential reintroduction policy (O'Sullivan, 2021).
This study uses a qualitative method, employing a structured online survey through community networks and social media. The duration of the survey took approximately 5 to 8 minutes to complete, the survey gathered 74 valid responses, from Dublin residents residing in private homes from over 6 months in the country. It investigated demographic backgrounds, daily routines, water use patterns, understanding of infrastructure issues and opinions on water pricing. The data were analysed using Thematic Analysis, guided by Attitude Behaviour Gap, Social Practice Theory, Theory of Planned Behaviour and Environmental Justice to identify gaps between stated values and actual behaviours (Figure 1 Thematic Analysis).
The results highlight a clear disconnection between environmental awareness and daily habits, while most respondents recognised that long showers contribute to wastewater, 67% admitted showering over 8 minutes. In the same way, 72% turned off the tap while brushing their teeth, though, less than half (48%) did the same while washing dishes. On the other hand, knowledge about infrastructure issues was low, with only 27% knowing that leaks in the pipes cause over 40% loss of treated water in the country, likewise, public mistrust is a major concern, with 70% opposed to bringing back water charges as in 2014, because of uncertainty about the allocation of funds, governance transparency and poor knowledge about water conservation (see Graph 4 Questionnaire - question 2.1; Graph 5 Questionnaire - question 2.4).
This research indicates, that perception of water is still seen culturally as an unlimited and abundant resource in the country, causing challenges to sustainability efforts (Murray, 2016). Participants proposed that improving leaks detection, increasing public education in the new generation and implementing awareness campaigns could reduce water waste rather than imposing charging fees (Table 3 Questionnaire - question 3.8). Nevertheless, lack of knowledge about infrastructure problems highlights the necessity for educational campaigns, transparent and clear governance and better engagement with the Irish residents (De Buitleir, 2014).
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Supervisors: | Name Email -, - UNSPECIFIED |
| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering |
| Divisions: | School of Business (- 2025) > Master of Science in Management |
| Depositing User: | Ciara O'Brien |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Jan 2026 12:39 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Jan 2026 12:39 |
| URI: | https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9089 |
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