Household water source choices in peri-urban areas: a discrete choice analysis of use-differentiated strategies

Unreliable piped water systems in peri-urban areas force households to employ complex multi-source water management strategies, yet little is understood about these interconnected choices. This study examines household water supply decisions in peri-urban Central India using discrete choice modelling with 250 households. Binary and multinomial logit models analyse pipe network connections and source selection for drinking versus bathing. Results show higher income, education and storage capacity increase piped water use for bathing, while female literacy and quality perceptions favour piped/hand pump water for drinking. The study recommends differentiated service levels based on willingness to pay, emphasizing demand-side management approaches.