Per Capita Water Use Calculation

As water availability becomes increasingly variable, populations shift, economies change, and water providers and agencies face mounting challenges in measuring and managing water use. Per capita water use metrics, including gallons per capita per day (GPCD) and liters per capita per day (L/c/d), are widely used to track water use, inform community and resource planning, and evaluate conservation impacts. Despite their ubiquity, however, per capita metrics remain inconsistently defined, applied, and interpreted.

This project aims to evaluate and standardize the calculation of per capita water use across North America by developing a clear, consistent, practical, and adaptable framework and Excel-based tool grounded in stakeholder input, past research, and aligned methodologies. The project will enhance comparability, support effective water planning, and lay the foundation for a future American Water Works Association standard through practical application, clear guidance, and replicable case studies across diverse contexts.

The sponsoring utility for this project is Central Utah Water Conservancy District. The City of Calgary is a co-funder of the project.