The Role of the Sharing Economy in Sustainable Urban Water Management: Exploring Shared Water Infrastructure and Resource Efficiency

Growing urban populations, increasing water scarcity, and climate change all necessitate sustainable urban water management strategies, since traditional systems often rely on centralized infrastructure and private consumption, leading to overuse and inequitable distribution. While the sharing economy has brought change and opportunity to various industries, its potential in water management remains underexplored. This study explores how the sharing economy can improve the sustainability of urban water resources, focusing on shared water infrastructure and examining whether water use efficiency can be improved compared to private use alternatives. Key research questions revolve around exploring the environmental benefits, technological advances, policy implications, and social barriers to the adoption of shared water systems. Findings suggest that smart water management technologies can optimize shared resource efficiency, but widespread adoption requires supportive regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and public engagement. The sharing economy offers a promising solution for water conservation in sustainable cities, yet the success depends on technological advances, innovation, social acceptance, and policy framework integration.