Urban water use is generally determined by population, its geographic location, and the percentage of water used in a community by residences, industry, government, and commercial enterprises.

It also includes water that cannot be accounted for because of distribution system losses, fire protection, or unauthorized uses. For the past two decades, urban per capita water use has leveled off, or has been increasing.

The implementation of local water conservation programs and current housing development trends, such as increased multiple-family dwellings and reduced lot sizes, have actually lowered per capita water use.

However, gross urban water demands continue to grow because of significant population increases and the establishment of urban centers. Even with the implementation of aggressive water conservation programs, urban water demand is expected to grow in conjunction with increases in population.