Allocating Water Among Urban Users During Droughts

by John W. Farnkopf, Hilton Farnkopf & Hobson, Fremont, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Environmental Engineering

Abstract:

Beginning in the spring of 1987, California has been besieged by a drought that, as of this writing, has not yet abated. In response to this unprecedented drought, the San Francisco Water Department (SFWD) has developed criteria for determining the extent to which conservation is required by its retail and wholesale customers. It has also developed a formula for calculating water allotments for its customers that call for reductions in inside and outside usage. The problems encountered in developing and implementing water allocations reflect the inherent differences between retail and wholesale customers. The SFWD's program was effective in achieving 25% system-wide reductions in 1988 and 1990; its effectiveness in achieving a proposed 45% reduction in 1991 is not yet known.

Subject Headings: Water shortage | Water conservation | Water resources | Water supply systems | Water supply | Droughts | Client relationships | California | United States

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