Two water-use case studies

As part of the state’s revised order requiring a 25% cut in California urban water use over the last year, officials released two hypothetical case studies designed to help explain how the water conservation would work:

THE SMITHS

The Smith family of three learns that their water district must reduce water use by 12%. A manufacturing plant uses 20% of the water and cannot reduce its use. So residents are told to reduce their use by 15% to meet the overall 12% target. The Smith family uses an average of 210 gallons per day (or about 70 gallons per person), 165 gallons for indoor use and 45 gallons for watering their small yard. To meet the 15% reduction requirement, they must bring their total water use down to about 180 gallons per day. This is equivalent to about 60 gallons per person per day.

THE JONESES

The Jones family of four learn that their water district must reduce water use by 32%. An oil refinery uses 10% of the district’s water and cannot reduce its use. Their city also has many small businesses and a golf course, which can reduce use by more than 10%. The residents must now reduce their use by 30% to meet the overall 32% target. The Jones family uses an average of 1,200 gallons per day (or about 300 gallons per person), 300 gallons for indoor use and 900 gallons to irrigate a large yard that includes grass and fruit trees. To cut water use by 30%, the Joneses must cut their water use by 360 gallons per day to 840 gallons, which is equivalent to 210 gallons per person per day.