Changes in water demand resulting from pandemic mitigations in Southeast Michigan

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted many dimensions of daily life; including how and where people used water. These changes have important implications for water management and utility planning. This study quantifies regional water demand changes across 75 utilities in Southeast Michigan throughout 2020. Deviations were not uniform, with both increases and decreases noted in indoor base flow and average day demands. Effects on diurnal patterns included peak use decreasing but occurring later in the morning and lasting longer. Utility demand changes are statistically correlated to community characteristics of income, population density, job density, and daytime population as well as altered movement trends in response to shutdowns. Commuter communities and those with employment centers experienced greater demand deviations. Understanding the socio-demographic factors behind the changes will help determine which patterns will be permanent or prevail post-pandemic. Utilities will be able to better plan for water supplies, capital improvements, operations, and finances.