Household water use declines according to report

The first quarter 2022 update to the Household Water Use Index by Flume Data Lab shows that in single-family homes across America, outdoor use is a significant driver of water demand, even in winter months.

Flume Data Labs publishes the Household Water Use Index quarterly, regularly assessing water use across the top 15 Metropolitan Service Areas (MSAs).

National indoor water use in Q1 2022 decreased compared to that of Q1 2021. Indoor Household Water Use averaged 41.5 Gallons per Capita per Day (GPCD) down from 47.4.

Regionally, indoor water use varies, but in general, indoor water use continues to decrease after the spike in usage following the outbreak of COVID in 2020. On a national scale, the lingering impacts of increased indoor residential use appear to be over and water use has even fallen below pre-COVID averages according to Flume.

Flume Data Labs analysis shows that in the summer months of 2021, homes in Phoenix, Riverside, and Los Angeles MSAs watered a median 3-5 days a week. However, in all communities, outdoor watering almost completely disappeared during rain events.

“Outdoor water use offers the greatest opportunity for water savings in regions that are experiencing drought,” said Peter Mayer, P.E., Principal of WaterDM, an expert consultant to the water industry for more than 25 years. “This analysis shows that even during winter months, some form of outdoor use remains a factor in many parts of America – especially in warmer climates. Understanding how and where we use water is essential information for homeowners and water utilities seeking to manage limited supplies.”

To learn more about the Flume Data Labs Household Water Use Index and the data shared here, visit Flume Data Labs at www.flumedatalabs.com.