The impact of end-use dynamics on urban water system design criteria

Abstract

The potential impact of demand reduction strategies (reuse/source substitution via tanks/installing water efficient appliances) on urban water system design criteria (average/peak demands and wastewater flows) was investigated using two months of detailed end-use monitoring from a single house. Reductions in regular water use events (shower/toilet) had a larger impact on average demand/flows, while reductions in sporadic water use events (outdoor/washing machine) had a larger impact on peak demands/flows. Highest predicted reductions of 71%/83% in average/peak demand occurred when using a 5 kL tank to supply toilet, washing machine (5-star), outdoor and hot water use. Further research is needed to quantify these impacts on a larger scale. Given the potential for reductions in urban water infrastructure costs this research is considered a high priority.