Since rainfall for the compared years was normal, the drop can be attributed to more conservative use for nonessential purposes such as irrigation and car washing. In turn, this can be attributed to rising consumer awareness of the importance of water conservation. The region stands to benefit in a number of ways from more conservative water use. Cost increases to homeowners for water, sewer, and energy can be better controlled. Community investments for supply, storage and treatment facility construction can be minimized if peak use is not vastly above average use.
Operational costs are responsive as well.
Long-term water conservation may help localities minimize appropriation conflicts, which is likely to be important in growth areas where groundwater sources are limited. Wise water resource use can help preserve ecosystems and assure ample water resources for future generations. Data Notes Information was gathered from several Metropolitan Council reports. The maximum to average water use ratio was calculated for each supplier separately, then the median of these ratios was determined. The reports contained data from a greater span of years than the reference year.