In comparison, metered water use in southern Alberta for a family of five with a private water supply and treatment system was 155 litres per person daily, assuming little outdoor use. These figures indicate that rural residents use slightly less water for domestic purposes than the average Canadian residing in a community with a population of more than 1000. Data on municipal water use compiled by Environment Canada show that in 1994 the average daily use per person ranged from 258 to 445 litres. The lower figure is for households that paid for water based on volume used, and the higher rate is for households that paid a flat rate, regardless of the volume used. To some extent, domestic water use by rural residents is influenced by the same factors that affect urban residents.
Adults generally use less water than teenagers and young children.
Rural residents are adopting a more urban lifestyle, and expectations for the same level of basic services are growing. This change is expected to lead to greater water use. In contrast, rural residents are still more directly affected by drought conditions and water shortages. They usually respond more rapidly by reducing water use, especially outdoors.