TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — When it comes to residential water use, Arizona trends higher than most western states, as well as the national average.
This is due largely to the hot and dry climate, according to researchers. But Tucson, starting in 2015, has managed to dip below those state and national averages in terms of its residential use.
According to surveys conducted by the USGS in 2015, the national average for residential water use is 83 gallons per capita per day (GPCD), and Arizona's average is 146 GPCD.
But in Tucson? When the survey was conducted in 2015, daily residential water use for Tucson Water customers had dropped to 80 GPCD.
Between 1996 and 2020, the City of Tucson's residential water use began a mostly-steady downward trend, from 121 GPCD in 1996 to 82 GPCD, with slight fluctuations in the past few years. The lowest measure of residential water use in Tucson occurred in 2019, when it fell to 76 GPCD.
Yet even in 2020, when there appeared to be a spike, the trend of a 32.2% decline over 24 years remained consistent.
Figures in this research do not include agricultural, commercial or industrial use.
Part of the relative low home use figures can be attributed to the City of Tucson's proactive approach to water conservation, offering rebates for a number of water-saving actions customers can take, including:
- Premium High-Efficiency Toilet Rebate
- Low-Income, High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) Replacement
- Clothes Washer Rebate
- Rainwater Harvesting Rebate
- Rainwater Harvesting Grant (Low-Income Program)
- Gray Water Rebate
If you're interested in learning more about water-saving methods for your home, Tucson Water offersworkshops and project plans on rainwater harvesting.
To find out more, call (520)791-4331 or e-mail Tucson Water's Public Information and Conservation Office, pico@tucsonaz.gov.
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Anne Simmons is the digital executive producer for KGUN 9. Anne got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share your story ideas and important issues with Anne by emailing anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
