Do you know your drought number? Cities consider household water allocations

LOS ANGELES (AP) — As California’s severe drought continues, state and local agencies are looking at budgeting water use by creating a daily water allocation for each household.

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that under such a scheme, a household would be allotted a certain number of gallons for indoor water use and another for outdoor water use.

The amount allocated is calculated using census data, aerial photography and satellite imagery to determine a property’s efficient water usage amount. Those using above their designated amount would pay extra.

Such a system is already in use or being considered by several municipalities statewide.

The Irvine Ranch Water District factors the number of residents, landscaping and medical needs into a household’s water budget. In Santa Monica, the City Council votes next month on whether to assign every single-family home with four people an indoors water budget of 68 gallons per person, per day. Today individual use is about 88 gallons.


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