Improving Water Conservation Behavior Among L.A. Renters by Understanding its Causes

In water management discussions within Los Angeles,it is assumed that much of the 18% cumulative cut in water consumption between June and October 2015 was as a result of reduced outdoor watering. However, billing data collected by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power shows that multi-family properties also lowered their consumpt ion. This is of particular interest because multi-family residential land often has smaller outdoor irrigation needs, and because the residents rarely have individual water bills. We seek to explore water conservat ion among Los Ange les residents living in multi- family residential propert ies by conducting in-person interviews with those who rent rather than own their place of residence. Important ly, studying renters will allow us to controlfor the effects of economic self-interest on conservation behavior, since residents of multi-family residential properties have little economic incentive to conserve water because the cost of water for many renters is hidden in the cost of rent and does not vary with more or less consumption. Understanding the water consumpt ion and conservation behaviors of this population will allow us to create a commun ications strategy framework aimed at encouraging water conservation among renters.