In 2012, we wrote an article for ARCHITECT Magazine that stated, “by 2020 our homes and communities will consume much less water than today, using the latest technologies to record individual water use and minimize waste. By combining high-efficiency fixtures and appliances, structured plumbing design, weather-based irrigation controls, and graywater reuse systems, residential consumption will drop from 60 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) down to 20.”
Today, our homes and communities do use less water than in 2012, largely through the installation of high-efficiency fixtures and appliances. While we have not achieved 20 gpcd, the 2016 “Residential End Uses of Water” study by the Water Research Foundation found that average indoor per capita use is now below 60 gpcd and on a clear trajectory toward 40 gpcd or less. Water consumption data assembled by the U.S. Geological Survey further confirms the significant declining trend in municipal water use.
Alliance for Water Efficiency
To further extend residential water-use reductions and build sustainability in new developments, the Alliance for Water Efficiency is promoting water-neutral development concepts through Net Blue to minimize water demand as communities grow. The project includes approaches communities can tailor and customize to create a water demand offset approach meeting local needs and further reducing water consumption.
As we look toward 2030, a goal of 20 gpcd indoor residential demand is within reach. Many people have already adapted their water use to this level. Additional efficiency is expected going forward as new homes with structured plumbing systems are built and as water providers use advanced metering technology to detect leaks in the water system and in customers’ homes.
Learn how to save more water at allianceforwaterefficiency.org.
