Water Rates: Water Demand Forecasting – Issue Brief
Overview
Historically, water demand forecasts have been determined by estimating current per-capita water consumption multiplied by expected future population. However, this method does not account for changes in the economy, technological advances, or conservation habits, nor does it take into account the overall trend of declining water use. Water demand forecast methods must accommodate these changes, as well as account for the impact of conservation programs, demographic changes, and climate change. This issue brief gives an overview of water demand forecasting, and suggests techniques to increase the accuracy of forecasts.
Resources
PowerPoint Presentations from the Workshops on Water Rates and Finances: Tools for Success: Forecasting Water Demand Water Rate Affordability in California A Public Goods Charge for Water Conservation Rates: Sensible Pricing for Water in the Cal Am Settlement Consumption-Based Fixed Revenue Capital Finance Overview: Dealing with the New Norm Innovative Agricultural Rate Structure Modification of Water Rates 2011: City of Napa Stories from the Field: Practice and Politics of Rate Setting in the Real World Water Demand Forecast Model: Seattle Public Utilities
In this Series
An Overview of the “New Normal” and Water Rate Basics Assessing Water Affordability: A Pilot Study in Two Regions of California Beyond Water Pricing: An Overview of Water Financing in California Issue Brief: Water Rates: Conservation and Revenue Stability Issue Brief: Water Rates: Water Affordability Issue Brief: Water Rates Communication and Education
