Water Consumption by Institutions

Abstract

In view of the expected continuation of present community expansion trends, and of the pressing need for factual design data for treatment facilities to serve institutions, a study of water consumption rates affecting small treatment plant design was initiated at the University of Florida in the spring of 1960. The purpose of the study was to obtain and evaluate basic water consumption data, to compare them with existing information, and to establish, if possible, reliable water consumption rates which could be used in the design of small water and sewage facilities. To establish these data, the following objectives were set: determine the average, maximum, and minimum consumption rates on a monthly, daily, and hourly basis; determine the relationship between average, maximum, and minimum consumption rates; present reasonable flow factors which may be used in the design of treatment plants to serve the institutions studied; and, present any other relationships that might affect the design of treatment plants for the institution studied. The study was limited to schools, motels, shopping centers, hospitals, and restaurants in the Gainesville, Florida area. The data were taken from monthly records accumulated by the city and from hourly and daily meter readings obtained specifically for the study. At frequent intervals during the survey, all data were reviewed to insure proper coverage of the various types of institutions. The season of the year was also a considered factor in the study. Field readings were made in February and March.