Temporary and Permanent Impacts of COVID-19 on Water Consumption Patterns and Solid Waste Generation

摘要

Water resources are limited and many regions worldwide are encountering serious water problems, mainly about quality and quantity. Water is very important in pandemics' spread for hygienic practices and providing high sanitary level. Many studies have revealed that there has been a substantial change in water consumption rates and the amount of generated solid waste during Covid-19 pandemic, but there has been no evidence if these changes will continue after the pandemic period. Information about the household's behavior and personal hygiene practices before and after the pandemic have been gathered from different regions in Jordan through an online questionnaire and focused group discussion. It has been found out that there has been an increase in water consumption up to 41% caused by changes in personal and household's behavior during the pandemic. Changes in water consumptions associated with handwashing 75% and surface cleaning 66% seem to be permanent, and such changes may be considered for future water management programs. Plastic and metals are the most generated solid waste during the pandemic as there have been high consumption rates of protection items (e.g. gloves) and canned food. This study demonstrates magnitude and importance of permanent changes in household's behaviors and in personal consumption to be taken into account in future strategies for water resources management and solid waste recycling programs.