Many water providers have observed a trend of declining per-capita water use rates over the last 40 years. In fact, the Colorado Water Conservation Board estimated that statewide municipal and industrial water use decreased 18 percent over an eight-year period, from 210 gallons per person per day (gpcd) in 2000 to 172 gpcd in 2008.
Based on the state’s 2008 population of approximately 4.9 million people, that increase in water efficiency resulted in an annual savings of 208,000 acre-feet of water supplies. Declining water use rates reduce pressure on water providers to develop new water supplies.
In fact, some Colorado water providers report per-capita water use significantly lower than 172 gpcd, signaling that there is still room for water efficiency savings statewide. So, what are some additional strategies for a water provider to improve the water efficiency in its system?
A holistic and precise accounting of all water uses in the system can help a provider more readily identify efficiency opportunities. That’s why we recommend water efficiency efforts start with comprehensive and accurate water measurement, metering, and billing. Tracking water use trends is a great way to identify opportunities and potential system losses of water.
Water providers can improve the accuracy of reported data and water use monitoring with frequent maintenance checks on bulk water meters and calibration of water measurement equipment.
Monitoring of water use trends can focus water efficiency planning efforts. For example, tracking could reveal:
Losses in the provider’s distribution system are higher than would be expected, suggesting issues with pipe leaks.
High indoor use in multi-family dwelling units suggests that targeted appliance retrofits could be an effective efficiency measure.
Quantifying high water treatment plant losses due to older filters might justify earlier filter replacement.
Martin and Wood can help water providers analyze their existing water use trends, set up systems for consistent data review and monitoring, and use those systems to recommend water efficiency programs. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help with water efficiency, reach out to our water resource experts.