Water affordability issues in developed countries – The relevance of micro approaches

Abstract

In developed countries, water affordability issues are regarded as a non-significant problem. This paper analyses the prevalence of affordability problems at household level and the determinants that might affect their occurrence. From a questionnaire-based survey, Portuguese household level data are used to show that average measures can mask affordability issues for substantial proportions of the low income groups. Findings also indicate that to tackle affordability problems more successfully, special tariff schemes should consider household income, size (large families) and composition (children in poorer households).