Socio-demographic profiles in suburban developments: Implications for water-related attitudes and behaviors along the Mediterranean coast

• We study a sample of suburban residents from Girona (northeast Catalonia, Spain).
• We examine if the socio-demographic characteristics of the residents are associated with water conservation attitudes/behaviors.
• The geographical origin of residents in the context of the history of urban growth in a particular area is a relevant factor.
• The population structure could compensate for the consumption patterns of these low-density urban areas.

This article examines how the socio-demographic characteristics of residents in low-density suburban developments are important factors in understanding and predicting the attitudes and behaviors of residents in relation to residential water use. This paper is based on information obtained from 230 surveyed residents in 9 municipalities of Girona (northeast Catalonia, Spain). First, we seek to define the socio-demographic profiles of the various population groups according to their members' birthplace. Subsequently, based on the existing literature, we analyze the relationships between social groups, their socio-demographic characteristics and their attitudes and behaviors regarding residential water use. Finally, after applying a Generalized Linear Mixed Model with panel data from 77 respondents, we examine whether the birthplace of the surveyed residents and their attitudes toward the conservation of water in homes are relevant factors in determining domestic water consumption. The results demonstrate the significance of birthplace (with its related socio-demographic and urban dynamics) and water conservation attitudes on residential water use and, therefore, the need to take these factors into account when managing this resource.