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<br />OOQ~CJ2 <br /> <br />STEP ONE: PROBIEM ASSESSMENT <br /> <br />OBJECI'IVE <br /> <br />A comparison of proiected supply arxl demand inUcates whether a utility <br />faces a potential water shortage. Ideally, a utility should know not only <br />whether it is likely to have a shortage, but how much of a shortage. TIlis <br />would enable the development of responses based on the projected magnitude <br />of a :iJnpending shortage. In reality, it is very difficult to estimate the <br />projected magnitude of a shortage because of the difficulty involved in <br />estimating available supplies. TIlerefore, the primary objective of this <br />step is to determine whether a utility faces the possibility of a shortage <br />arxl the secondary objective is to determine, if possible, the magnitude of <br />this potential shortage. <br /> <br />In order to accurately determine whether your utility is likely to face a <br />water supply deficit, both past arxl present supply arxl consumption <br />infornation should be analyzed. Source arxl service meters present the best <br />way of measuring supply arxl demand, arxl provide other benefits as well. <br /> <br />Meters <br /> <br />Metering is an appropriate water supply management tool whether or not a <br />utility faces a potential water shortage. In terms of water conservation, <br />data gathered in 1980, 1981, arxl 1982 showed that metered households use an <br />average of 20 percent less water than umnetered households1. Although <br />meters represent an initial capital outlay, they make the management of <br />water systems more systematic arxl professional. Source arxl service meters <br />enable utilities to: <br /> <br />o a=unt for their water; <br /> <br />o charge rates based on the amount of water consumed (such as unifonn or <br />inclining block rates) ; <br /> <br />o detect leaks; <br /> <br />o save money (through the elimination of lost pLmIping costs arxl lost <br />revenues); arxl <br /> <br />o save water. <br /> <br />nsHS supports statewide metering of sources arxl services. <br /> <br />1 Maddaus, William 0., Water Conservation, Denver: American <br />Water Works Association (1987), p. 63. <br /> <br />7 <br /> <br />