Changing Water Demand

Residential use is now the largest consumer of water in Orange County, accounting for about two-thirds of the total. That proportion will not change much as we enter the next century, according to projections by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. That is, residential users will still account for about two-thirds of all water consumed. But as the total amount of water we use increases, it will not be residential users whose demand grows fastest. Between 1990 and 2010, residential useres will increase their demand by 28% from the current 383,800 acre-feet. The largest percentage increase, however, will come from commercial and institutional users, who will need 46% more water. Industrial outlets will call for 33% more. Other uses, such as irrigation, fire, some free service and system losses will account for a 36% increase. Overall, Orange County’s water use will jump 32%.

Projected Water Use in 2010 Residential: 65% Commercial / institutional: 19% Industrial: 6% Other: 10%

Projected Percentage Demand, 1990 to 2010 Residential: 28% Commercial / institutional: 46% Industrial: 33% Other: 36% County Total: 32% Sources: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California .