A sociotechnical systems approach to water infrastructure decision making

Abstract

The increasing complexity and interdependence of global water and energy systems demand innovative approaches to ensure sustainable infrastructure. This dissertation examines the sociotechnical interactions shaping water and energy infrastructure through a systems lens. It highlights how decision-making by both organizational stakeholders and individual users impacts infrastructure sustainability, resilience, and equity. This research comprises three studies that explore the intersection of human behavior, technical operations, and infrastructure outcomes. First, a case study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, evaluates the successes and challenges of WASH behavior change programs, focusing on their influence on student and teacher engagement. Second, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in rural Alaskan communities reveal the decision-making processes behind water source selection in drinking water projects, emphasizing the interplay of technical feasibility and community needs. Lastly, the integration of renewable energy into water treatment systems is investigated using energy audit data and HOMER software to assess the technical and economic viability of solar microgrids. By combining qualitative and quantitative methods, this dissertation bridges gaps in existing literature that often focus on technical or social dimensions in isolation. It contributes to the field by advancing the eco-sociotechnical systems framework, offering actionable insights into how infrastructure design and operation can align with user behavior, stakeholder priorities, and sustainability goals. The findings underscore the need for holistic approaches that integrate technical innovations with a deep understanding of human and social factors to achieve equitable and resilient infrastructure systems.