The question asks about factors that lead to a decrease in the per capita consumption of water.

Understanding Per Capita Water Consumption

Per capita water consumption refers to the average amount of water used per person over a specific period. Various factors can influence this rate.

Impact of Metering System on Water Consumption

When a metering system is implemented for water supply, households and individuals become aware of the exact amount of water they are consuming and the cost associated with that usage. This direct feedback encourages more mindful and efficient use of water. People are more likely to fix leaks, reduce unnecessary usage (like excessive lawn watering or long showers), and adopt water-saving habits when they are billed based on actual consumption. Therefore, a metering system typically leads to a decrease in per capita water consumption.

Other Factors Affecting Water Consumption

Let's consider the other options:

• Hotter climate: A hotter climate generally leads to increased water consumption, especially for irrigation, cooling purposes, and personal use due to sweating.
• Good quality water: While having good quality water is desirable and essential, it doesn't inherently cause a decrease in the *volume* of water consumed per person. It might affect *how* water is used (e.g., more drinking), but not necessarily reduce total consumption compared to poor quality water where people might still use it for non-potable purposes.
• Modern living: Modern living often involves appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and potentially larger homes with more bathrooms and landscaped areas, which tend to increase overall water consumption per person compared to simpler lifestyles.

Based on the analysis of how each factor influences water usage, the implementation of a metering system is the factor most likely to result in a decrease in per capita consumption of water.