# Assessment of Water Consumption Behavior in Single Households Using Smart Water Meters
## 4 Discussion  
Water consumption patterns can be instrumental in categorizing water demand on the basis of household size and activities. By estimating peak timings and amounts of water consumption within the study district and comparing these with experiences from residual areas, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of water demand [42; 43]. The analysis of 1871 households' water consumption patterns of single-worker and -nonworker households provides insights into the impact of daily routines on water consumption. Single-worker households showed definite consumption peaks at 8:00 and between 20:00 and 21:00 on weekdays, reflecting typical workday schedules where water consumption is concentrated before and after work hours. In contrast, single-nonworker households presented a more even distribution of water consumption throughout the day, with peak consumption at 9:00 and a secondary peak at 19:00. The observed differences indicate that work-related schedules significantly influence water demand patterns, with worker households showing higher evening consumption that might come from Japanese evening bathing culture or from activities performed after work. Weekend data further highlight behavior differences, with worker households increasing their water consumption by 10% compared with that on weekdays. Notably, a significant increase of 262% in consumption between 13:00 and 16:00 on weekends indicates a shift concerning more intensive water consumption during leisure periods. These fluctuations show how nonworking days can have a significant effect on water consumption, featuring the need for flexible water management plans. Additionally, seasonal differences in water consumption might offer valuable insights. Warmer seasons may lead to increased water consumption due to activities related to household needs, whereas colder months could lead to a decrease in overall water demand [44]. The slight variation in single household water consumption at the end of September compared with that at the beginning may be indicative of seasonal changes or external factors such as public holidays, where shifts in routines or temperature could result in increased water consumption. Despite these insights, this study has limitations that need to be recognized. A primary limitation is the inability to confirm specific household features, such as the number of residents, due to privacy restrictions. For example, while consumption data might suggest that households using between 143 and 429 L/day could be single households, such theories remain theoretical without access to detailed personal information. Additionally, single-worker and -nonworker households may limit the generalizability of the findings to other household types or regions with different demographic and socioeconomic profiles. However, the strength of this study is that it influences real-time data from smart water meters for an in-depth look at household water consumption patterns, which may assist in more accurate demand forecasting and informed water supply planning. The application of smart water meter data in this study shows the data's ability to enhance water resource management by providing hourly consumption patterns. This approach can be beneficial for water providers planning operations and improving service approaches. For example, upgrading water supply facilities necessitates an evaluation of residential water demand to gather essential data for planning reliable and sustainable water management and developing appropriately sized facilities [45]. Water demand can fluctuate due to factors such as population changes, lifestyle variations, weather conditions, and socioeconomic influences, making accurate future predictions challenging. To estimate water demand accurately, understanding the current patterns of water consumption is crucial [45]. The IoT system supports real-time comprehensive water consumption measurements, which can be pivotal for optimal decision-making and management [46; 47].