Long‐Term Options for Municipal Water Conservation

Water conservation measures initiated by municipalities have usually been short‐term efforts to minimize the effects of a drought or other temporary water shortage. Now, because of increasing demands on limited water resources, water conservation measures are being reassessed as long‐term methods of reducing municipal water use. Long‐term measures require a somewhat different planning approach than do short‐term measures. Municipalities can choose from a variety of water conservation options, including metering and leak detection, building code revisions, water saving devices, water rates, landscaping changes, water use restrictions, and water reuse. Some of these options are more appropriate than others for individual cities. To ensure successful results, all conservation programs should include public education.