A long-term view of water consumption in Barcelona (1860–2011): from deprivation to abundance and eco-efficiency?

Water consumption in Barcelona in Spain, and the corresponding water imprint, followed a path resembling an Environmental Kuznets Curve. They grew slowly from the mid-19th century before reaching a peak in 1967–70, and a downward trend followed up to 2010. This paper uses a decomposition analysis to assess the role played by population growth, income increase and water intensity as determinants of these trends. It is stressed that water intensity does not express technical change alone, but includes social inequalities, consumer habits and cultural perceptions as well. It can be explained by taking into account the social conflicts and public policies of each period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]