Castle Pines North WC Plan2007

• Project Type: Water Conservation Plan
• Applicant: Castle Pines North Metropolitan District
• Project Name: Water Conservation Plan
• Title: Castle Pines North Metropolitan District Water Conservation Plan
• Date: 8/1/2006
• County: Douglas
• Water Conservation - Doc Type: Complete Plan

CDM

Section 3
Water Use and Forecasted Demands

This is illustrated by examining per capita water use for the City of Los Angeles.
Figure 3-9 shows Los Angeles' per capita use from 1980 to 2004. In 1991, the last year
of a 5-year drought, Southern California water agencies imposed mandatory water
conservation. There was also an extensive drought education campaign in 1990 and
1991. This resulted in per capita water use to fall sharply from 1990 levels. In 1992 and
1993, the drought subsided but per capita use remained low due to what is called
drought memory effect. This occurs when water customers have had to change
behavior dramatically as a result of mandatory restrictions and drought education.
However, unless permanent conservation measures are put in place (e.g., ultra-low-
flush toilets, landscaping efficiency, etc.) per capita water use tends to increase to
levels near pre-drought levels. In California, this has occurred even when water rates
have increased. In 1998, a very wet year caused per capita use to fall again. But by
2004, per capita use was 30 gpcd higher than the low in 1991. This indicates that
although customers may continue to conserve water post drought, over time they
may conserve less and less and even increase water usage beyond pre-drought levels.
Nevertheless, conservation efforts are an important component establishing a water
management program that promotes a sustainable and reliable water supply. As long
as these conservation efforts continue, results in the form of water savings will occur.

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Figure 3-9
Los Angeles' per Capita Use

3-11

O:\Castle_Pines_North\Conservation Plan\Drafts Submitted For Review\Final Conservation Plan.doc