Estimation and investigation of consumptive water use in residential area—Case cities in Nebraska, U.S.A

Abstract

This research provides important understanding of the total and consumptive water uses of residences and green spaces of urban settings in Nebraska. The census block level estimation and analysis were carried out in three case cities in Nebraska including Lincoln, Grand Island, and Sidney. Ordinary least square regression models were established between the explanatory factors and total water use and consumptive water use. In residential category, there were strong correlations between population/landscape area and total water use. Landscape area was found in high correlation with consumptive water use in City of Sidney. Total and consumptive water use were highly correlated with landscape area in green space category. In consideration of sizable yards and lower population density, small cities may consume more water on a per capita basis and our spatial pattern analysis showed that high water use blocks clustered in suburban areas with large landscape areas while low water use blocks clustered in downtown areas. This study introduces a feasible yet effective method for water resources managers to estimate consumptive water uses in residential areas. The developed linear models are beneficial for predicting future water demand and long-term water supply planning.