Household Wastewater Management in Arid Urban Areas: Assessing Behavioral Practices and Systemic Barriers in Yazd, Iran

Behnaz  Lookzadeh; Zohreh  Rahaei; Mohammad Taghi  Ghaneian; Sara  Jambarsang; Maryam  Gholami; Siavash  Pakdel

doi:10.18502/jehsd.v11i2.21958

Behnaz Lookzadeh Environmental Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Zohreh Rahaei Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Mohammad Taghi Ghaneian Environmental Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Sara Jambarsang Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Maryam Gholami Genetics and Environmental Hazards Research Center, Abarkouh School of Medical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Siavash Pakdel Yazd Water and Wastewater Co. Yazd, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jehsd.v11i2.21958

Keywords: Wastewater Management, Water Scarcity, Conservation of Water Resources, Behavior, Sustainable Development Goals, Yazd, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Rapid urbanization and improving living standards have increased domestic wastewater generation, placing additional pressure on water resources in arid regions. This study investigated the knowledge, practices, and perceived barriers related to household wastewater management among women in Yazd, Iran, a water-scarce city with limited sewerage infrastructure.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 491 participants using a validated questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, wastewater management knowledge, self-reported behaviors, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics and Pearson ’s correlation analysis were applied to analyze the data.

Results: The findings revealed moderate levels of knowledge (6.92 ± 2.27 out of 11) and suboptimal wastewater management behavior (35.8 ± 7.8 out of 60). Although participants demonstrated relatively high awareness of the environmental impact of wastewater, important gaps were identified in practical water conservation knowledge and greywater reuse concepts. The most frequently reported barriers were the high cost of water-saving equipment (60.7%), insufficient water pressure (46.0%), and limited public awareness of water conservation methods (43.6%). Perceived barriers showed a strong negative association with household wastewater management behaviors (r = −0.625, p < 0.001), whereas knowledge alone was not significantly associated with behavior.

Conclusion: Improving household wastewater management in arid urban areas requires integrated behavioral and infrastructural interventions. Public education, financial incentives, and expanded sewerage infrastructure could promote sustainable practices and advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) in water-stressed regions.