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