Lived experiences of water poverty in Barcelona

Abstract

Water poverty, mostly expressed as the inability to afford the costs of water, is becoming a growing problem for European vulnerable households, despite universal availability of safe, secure, and reliable water. In this article and through interviews with 112 households in three cities of the province of Barcelona, we explore how water poverty manifests in the daily practices and coping strategies of household members. Findings reveal how these households, while not giving up uses considered essential, engage in demanding water-saving measures (e.g. reduced shower times; short washing machine programs or limited flushing) to maintain basic hygiene standards, imposing sometimes very strict behaviours particularly on children and teenagers. These, often draconian, behavioural adaptations are hardly reflected in the water bills which creates emotions of frustration and despair among respondents. Access to subsidies is also pursued with the help of non-governmental organizations and local services but lack of information, bureaucratic barriers, or legal status may hamper this option. The study also underscores gendered burdens, with women managing water austerity, and reveals concerns about private water management and inadequate water tariffs. Results advocate for policies addressing affordability by expanding subsidy accessibility and integrating poor household preoccupations into water governance. By focusing on lived realities, this research attempts to contribute to advance our understanding of water poverty in the global North, emphasizing the need for justice-oriented solutions amid economic and environmental pressures.