by Rafael Fernandes
The City of Redlands must lower its water consumption by 20% by the year 2020 or risk losing state water grants. To tackle this problem, Redlands wants a better understanding of how residential water is currently being consumed. Income, population density, and vegetation were explored as possible indicators of water consumption.
Required layers: Imagery and census data
The imagery was used to create a vegetation index, which defined a range of high to low vegetation. Census data was used to collect income and population density information.
Once all of the data were processed, a correlation analysis was used to identify which of these three factors was the best indicator for water consumption.
Population density and household income were good indicators of water consumption , however, vegetation was a significantly better indicator. The vegetation may be a good indicator because Redlands is a part of the chaparral eco-region, which is known for dry climate.
With this information, Redlands can now target areas with the highest vegetation and highest water consumption to help lower their total consumption.
To see this study, or if you’d like more information, please contact Rafael Fernandes (RafaelFernandes103@gmail.com).
“indicators of water consumption”
Do you mean predictor? Did you have actual water consumption (looks like you do)? Are your maps water consumption per household? per capita? per acre?
Yes, predictors is another way to look at it.
I had actual water consumption data, it is gallons per household from June to October.
The water consumption is also aggregated to census blocks to protect individuals rights.
Thanks and let me know if you have any additional questions,
Rafael
A great conservation motivation tool would be to calculate the vegetation for each parcel and scientifically determine the maximum amount of water needed for the landscape and indoor household use of that parcel. Once water users see how much they are watering vs. what is actually needed, they would see the money savings that they could realize if they stopped over-watering.