Application of a residential end-use model for estimating cold and hot water demand, wastewater flow and salinity

Abstract

The structure and data requirements of an end-use model for residential water demand and return flow are presented in a companion paper. This paper focuses on the practical application of the model. The model is first applied to confirm a few commonly observed water demand patterns: Seasonal variation in demand, the positive correlation between average annual daily water demand and stand size, and the increase in water demand, hot water demand and wastewater flow with an increase in household size. The convergence between the predicted model results and independently observed values by others encourages practical use of the model. Secondly, the effects of some specific water demand management measures are evaluated by adjusting selected model parameters. The measures include xeriscaping, the installation of dual-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads, pool ownership and pool cover use. The model provides a rapid means to obtain first estimates of the likely effects of different water demand management measures.


WaterSA Vol.30 (3) 2004: 305-316