The study aims to further insights and understandings of domestic water consumers perceptions of the availability of water and the factors that influence their household water consumption practices to support water management planners and policy makers in recognising appropriate strategies to address increased household water demand. The increasing demand for water has been exacerbated by climate change, population growth and the construction of new homes which has the potential to threaten future water supplies. The study considers the role of consumers in the consumption of goods and services and how socioeconomic factors, identity, agency, perceptions of vulnerability and embedded social practices can influence beliefs about water availability and the use of water within household water consumption practices, including taking a shower and flushing a toilet. The thesis provides a review of consumption theories and ‘abc’ models of behaviour change and social practice theory to provide a theoretical framework for understanding water consumption practices. The methodology of the study leans upon a thematic and phenomenological social practice to provide an interpretive understanding of participants perceptions, understandings, and insights. For most participants, water was an inconspicuous ‘taken for granted’ resource. in which awareness of water was subconscious and dependent upon experiences of water shortages and exposure to water events. Expectations of water availability were driven by experiences of precipitation and unrestricted access to water through domestic water technologies. The thesis makes a several recommendations including the installation of curtailment enabled domestic water technologies into homes and a pricing model designed to encourage water conservation practices.