A new study led by scholars from the Graduate School, Universitas Padjadjaran, examines what’s dubbed the “Water Paradox of Bandung”—an area blessed with abundant annual rainfall, yet struggling with sustainable household water management policies. Conducted in Jatisari Village, Bandung, the research deployed a mixed-methods approach—combining statistical analysis (SPSS) and qualitative coding —to assess how environmental communication influences household water-use behaviors, including the mediating role of cognitive dissonance. Findings reveal a significant direct effect (coefficient ≈ 0.466) of environmental communication on behavior change, with cognitive dissonance also playing a meaningful but smaller mediating role, confirmed statistically via the Sobel test (coefficient ≈ 0.0288, t-count = 7.5364 > t-table = 1.9671). In parallel, the study highlights multistakeholder efforts—including both governmental and civil society initiatives—working to enhance water sustainability in Bandung City. Published in Water (Issue 17, Article 600), this research delivers critical insights into the policy and communication gaps behind urban water security issues—especially in areas with hydrological abundance yet weak governance. The study underscores how improving environmental messaging—backed by supportive policy frameworks—can directly foster more sustainable household water behaviors.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) — By dissecting the policy and behavior barriers that impede sustainable water use, the study informs strategic interventions to secure equitable access to clean water in urban communities.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) — Through highlighting inclusive communication strategies and cross-stakeholder collaboration, the research advances urban resilience and sustainable resource management planning.

SDG 13 (Climate Action) — Even in regions with ample rainfall, the study reminds us that climate resilience depends equally on effective governance and behavioral adoption—not just environmental capacity.

SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) — The research exemplifies how coordinated efforts between government bodies and community organizations can enhance policy outreach and drive positive behavioral change.