This paper problematises positivist framings of water demand management (WDM) that define the average-water-user. Through a situated, case-study account undertaken in suburban Auckland, we highlight variable social and cultural underpinnings of domestic water use. Activities that are commonly the focus of WDM are shown to be embedded elements of life around which relationships, affects and futures are woven. As a consequence, myopically focusing on the technical–managerial mediation of what are socionatural relations reduces prospects to achieve intended policy outcomes. Reframing WDM as a hydrosocial process provides a basis for water providers to develop more culturally appropriate water management.

中文翻译：

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水资源需求管理和对可持续性的追求

本文对定义平均用水者的用水需求管理 (WDM) 的实证框架提出了问题。通过在奥克兰郊区进行的情境案例研究，我们强调了家庭用水的可变社会和文化基础。通常是 WDM 关注的活动被证明是生活中嵌入的元素，围绕这些元素编织关系、影响和未来。因此，短视地关注社会自然关系的技术-管理调解会降低实现预期政策结果的前景。将 WDM 重新定义为水利社会过程，为水供应商开发更适合文化的水管理提供了基础。