End Uses of Water Practical Data Collection, Analysis, and Utility Peter W. Mayer, P.E. Vice President Aquacraft, Inc. Water Engineering and Management 2709 Pine St. Boulder, Colorado 80304 USA www.aquacraft.com Abstract Where is water used in the urban environment? How much water is used for toilets, showers, clothes washers, faucets, dishwashers, and all other purposes? What component of total use can be attributed to each specific water using device and fixture? How does water use vary across single-family homes, commercial properties, and other buildings? What are the factors that influence water use? How does water use differ in buildings equipped with conserving fixtures? These questions (and many others) form the basis for investigation into the end uses of water. The “end uses” of water include all the places where water is used the urban setting such as toilets, showers, clothes washing, faucets, irrigation, cleaning, cooling, humidification, manufacturing, industrial processes, leaks, etc. Accurately measuring and modeling the end uses of water and the effectiveness of conservation efforts has been the Achilles heel of urban water planning for many years. Understanding where water is put to use by the consumer or end user is critical information for utilities, planners, and conservation professionals. Empirical evidence of the effectiveness of specific conservation measures can be used to improve the design of conservation programs and can provide justification for continued support of conservation efforts.