More than two-fifths (43%) of Irish consumers buy bottled water at least once a week, according to the latest Consumer Insights survey from Empathy Research.
Of 950 participants, a further 29% buy bottled water at least once a month.
It is interesting to note that the survey showed women are more likely to buy bottled water (45%) once a week than men (41%). Furthermore, the younger the age group, the more likely they are to buy bottled water at least once a week; 51% of 18-34 year olds do so, compared to 46% of 35-44 year olds, 43% of 45-54 year olds and 31% of 55+ year olds.
When asked about whether they intend to purchase more bottled water when water charges are implemented, 24% of Irish consumers said they believed they would, although this was higher among women (26%) than men (22%).
Additionally, younger age groups groups seem to be more likely to increase the amount of bottled water they buy as a result of the water charges compared to older age groups. A quarter of 18-34 year olds (30%) and 35-44 year olds (25%) said they will be buying more bottled water when water charges are introduced, compared to 22% of 45-54 year olds and 18% of 55+ year olds. Regionally Dubliners are the most likely (28%) to increase their consumption of bottled water than other areas; Rest of Leinster (18%), Munster (25%) and Connacht/Ulster (26%).
The survey also questioned respondents on whether they think they will cut back on water purchases when the water charges are implemented and 70% agreed that they plan to. Those with children (75%) were more likely to say they would cut back than those without (67%). Meanwhile 72% of 35-44 year olds and 77% of 55+ year olds also plan to cut back on their water usage as a result of the water charges, which was reasonably higher compared to 65% of 18-34 year olds and 68% of 45-54 year olds.
Of ways to cut back on water usage, the most common method (78%) cited by survey participants is to turn off the water while brushing teeth. Following that, taking shorter showers (73%) and ensuring the washing machine has a full load before switching it on (71%) were popular answers. Two-thirds (67%) of Irish consumers looking to cut back on their water usage plan to avoid flushing the toilet multiple times while almost (46%) plan to check their faucets and pipes for leaks.
Other methods mentioned on how to cut back on water usage include collecting rain water to use in the garden, wash cars and even fill the toilet with, having less baths, reusing washing up water and the old fashioned brick-in-the-toilet-cistern to create a low flush toilet.
Click here for more information from Empathy Research.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
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