Ohio State University Extension Bulletin

Water Systems for Small Communities

A Puzzle Guide for Local Officials
Bulletin 910

Future Residential Water Use

Lenn Black, Environmental Specialist, Division of Water, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Karen Mancl, Professor Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering,The Ohio State University

Puzzle piece

Future residential water use has two components. One is additional users within the current service area. The second is expanding the service area.

Current Service Area

Predicting increases within the service area is relatively straightforward. The simplest method is to reflect past population growth into the future. Adjustments to these projections can be made based on known development patterns.

Figure 1
Figure 1. Example of a simple population projection reflecting past population growth.

Expanding Service Area

Predicting service area expansion is much more speculative. Expanding water service into new areas is a critical part of community planning. When planning for future residential service be sure to keep in mind the need to establish loop or grid systems. Loops and grids enable most customers to maintain water service even when a water line break or necessary water line maintenance occurs. Straight line service is unreliable and when used is a sign of poor planning.

Figure 2
Figure 2. Example of service interruption caused by waterline break in grid and strip systems.

Back | Forward | Table of Contents