Gauging Categories of Municipal Water Use Spatially Across North Dakota in Different Size Municipalities

Abstract

Little is known about municipal water use in the state of North Dakota. Typically, the only water use information reported to the North Dakota State Water Commission is the amount of water withdrawn as part of a municipal water permit. The goal of this study was to expand current knowledge on municipal water use in the state. Two questionnaires were developed and administered to all cities with populations greater than 1,000 residents that were willing to participate. Questions focused on who is in charge of water-use data, how the data are recorded and stored, and if municipalities try to conserve water through various measures. Additionally, the project attempted to classify water-use data into categories and sub-categories of similar water using entities to develop per capita coefficients and normal commerce for different size cities. Results of the study will aid researchers and water managers in future water planning.