Tucson's Tools for Demand Management

Abstract

Tucson's "Beat the Peak" program implemented in the summer of 1977 effectuated a reduction in peak day water usage from 151.5 million gallons per day on July 9, 1976, to 114.0 million gallons per day on July 8, 1977. This twenty-five percent reduction, if maintained, will allow a three -year deferral of a new remote wellfield and transmission pipeline estimated to cost between $25 and $50 million. More time will be available to analyze the cost effectiveness of solutions to the region's water resources supply problems (such as imported groundwater, Central Arizona Project water, effluent reuse, and their interrelationships). Although conservation was not promoted, the successful peak management program resulted in a 13.3 percent reduction in 1977 water use during the summer months (May through August) compared to usage during the same period in 1976. This resulted in water sales revenues less than projected, but the combination of less utility expenses and deferred capital improvements will yield lower customer rates and monthly bills than would have otherwise been necessary without the program.