The average amount of water used daily in a geographic area, expressed as a rate per person.
Increasingly, communities are struggling to maintain supplies of water that are clean, healthy, and affordable. High water usage may make a region more vulnerable to future water shortages or droughts.
At a daily average of 54 gallons, Essex County used more water per capita in 2015 than the state, which had a rate of 51 gallons per capita. From 2005 to 2015, Essex County water usage rates decreased by 26 gallons per capita daily, similar to the state decrease over the same timeframe. Nationally, the usage rate was higher than Essex County, at 72 gallons per capita, daily.
The rate of water usage per capita in Essex County was equal to the rate in Middlesex, MA (54 gallons) and lower than both Westchester, NY and Lake, IL (72 and 70 gallons respectively). All counties had a decrease in usage since 2005.
Rates only include residential use. Data on water use types not available prior to 2005.
| 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essex County, MA | 80 | 57 | 54 |
| Middlesex County, MA | 80 | 56 | 54 |
| Lake County, IL | 79 | 70 | 70 |
| Westchester County, NY | 97 | 73 | 72 |
| 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essex County, MA | 58,830,000 | 42,170,000 | 41,920,000 |
| Middlesex County, MA | 116,250,000 | 84,160,000 | 85,180,000 |
| Lake County, IL | 55,430,000 | 49,320,000 | 49,360,000 |
| Westchester County, NY | 91,060,000 | 68,930,000 | 70,010,000 |
| INDICATORS | TREND | ESSEX COUNTY |
|---|
