Water Consumption - Charts
Date updated: 03/20/2012
What this chart shows: Per Capita Water Consumption in Fort Collins and Loveland, 2002-2011
Data Sources:
- City of Fort Collins Utilities (data not available online)
- City of Loveland Utilities (data not available online)
What the above data tell us: Throughout the past decade, per capita water usage in Fort Collins and Loveland was similar. On average, Fort Collins consumed more gallons of water per person per day than Loveland (170.5 gallons per person per day, compared to 158.8 in Loveland).
Both areas experienced a decrease in total per capita usage during the ten-year period. Fort Collins experienced a larger decrease over the period, declining 42 gallons per person per day between 2002 and 2011, compared to a decrease of 8 gallons per person per day in Loveland.
The largest decrease in Fort Collins was seen between 2002 and 2004 when average per capita use declined by 37 gallons per person per day due to drought and ensuing water restrictions.
In Loveland, the largest decrease was seen between 2006 and 2009 when average per capita use declined by 46 gallons per person per day.
Average per capita per day domestic water consumption is defined as the average amount of water used each day divided by the population of the city or town. This measure includes water used for drinking, bathing, and watering lawns. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the average United States citizen used about 98 gallons of water per person per day in 2005. In comparison, Coloradoans used 121 GCPD, the 11th highest state in the nation. Nevada, at 190 GCPD ranked #1.
What this chart shows: Residential Water Consumption in Fort Collins and Loveland, 2002-2011
Data Sources:
- City of Fort Collins Utilities (data not available online)
- City of Loveland Utilities (data not available online)
What the above data tell us: During the period 2002 to 2011, Fort Collins had a higher residential consumption than Loveland, using an average of 4.2 billion gallons annually. Loveland consumed an average of 2.4 billion gallons per year during the same period. During this ten-year period, residents of Fort Collins decreased their consumption by 1.2 billion gallons (23.1%), whereas Loveland increased their usage by 53 million gallons (2.14%).
Residential water consumption in Fort Collins and Loveland has fluctuated over the past decade. The reason for this fluctuation is most likely due to the availability of water and restricted use regulations put into place during low availability years.
In 2005, Coloradoans consumed 121 gallons per person per day for residential purposes. In 2011, Fort Collins residents used 141 gallons of water per person per day, while Loveland residents used 149 gallons pre person per day. The City of Fort Collins provides useful tips on ways to save both water and energy.
What this chart shows: Commercial Water Consumption in Fort Collins and Loveland, 2002-2011
Data Sources:
- City of Fort Collins Utilities (data not available online)
- City of Loveland Utilities (data not available online)
What the above data tell us: Between 2002 and 2011, commercial water usage decreased in Fort Collins (753 million gallons or 19.8%) and increased in Loveland (401 million gallons or 53.7%). Fort Collins experienced peak industrial water usage in 2002 (3.8 billion gallons). Loveland's highest usage was seen in 2006 (1.3 billion gallons), which could be a sign of industrial growth in Loveland during the first half of the decade.
Data Tables:
Per Capita Water Consumption (Gallons Per Person Per Day)
|
Fort Collins |
Loveland |
|
|
2002 |
183 |
157 |
|
2003 |
154 |
145 |
|
2004 |
146 |
137 |
|
2005 |
155 |
153 |
|
2006 |
172 |
179 |
|
2007 |
162 |
165 |
|
2008 |
153 |
160 |
|
2009 |
135 |
133 |
|
2010 |
146 |
147 |
|
2011 |
141 |
149 |
Residential Water Consumption (Millions of Gallons)
|
Fort Collins |
Loveland |
|
|
2002 |
4,664 |
2,468 |
|
2003 |
3,964 |
2,217 |
|
2004 |
3,607 |
2,143 |
|
2005 |
3,876 |
2,392 |
|
2006 |
4,350 |
2,747 |
|
2007 |
4,068 |
2,593 |
|
2008 |
3,824 |
2,604 |
|
2009 |
3,351 |
2,230 |
|
2010 |
3,753 |
2,472 |
|
2010 |
3,586 |
2,521 |
Commercial Water Consumption (Millions per Gallons)
|
Fort Collins |
Loveland |
|
|
2002 |
3,811 |
748 |
|
2003 |
3,351 |
817 |
|
2004 |
3,376 |
819 |
|
2005 |
3,389 |
961 |
|
2006 |
3,648 |
1,254 |
|
2007 |
3,557 |
1,195 |
|
2008 |
3,378 |
1,183 |
|
2009 |
3,023 |
988 |
|
2010 |
3,095 |
1,101 |
|
2011 |
3,058 |
1,149 |