Characterizing Patterns and Drivers of Single-Family Household Water Uses in Arizona Using High-Resolution Smart-Metered Data

Abstract

This study aims to characterize single-family household water consumption utilizing smart-metered subdaily water use data from more than 700 single-family households across the state of Arizona in the United States for the water year 2022. Using statistical evidence, we identify factors that drive household water consumption such as the number of occupants, appliance efficiency, and the presence of a swimming pool. Furthermore, climate and other regional drivers of water use are investigated. The analysis encompasses mixed-effects regression models to assess water use patterns on daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal time-steps. The findings show that approximately 64% of water consumption in Arizona was used for outdoor purposes. Households with a swimming pool use approximately 56% more water overall than those without a pool. Even indoor water use is nearly 26% greater in households with a swimming pool. Deep analysis of smart-metered water use data offers greater insights into the efficiency levels of appliances in a household. Households with high-efficiency appliances use about 18.5% less water than households without high-efficiency appliances. Analysis indicates that log-linear mixed-effects regression models provide the most robust assessments for relating water consumption with household and regional factors. This study helps water managers identify and implement water conservation and demand reduction strategies in single-family neighborhoods.