What does this measure?

The average amount of residential water used daily in a geographic area, expressed as a rate per person, per day.

Why is this important?

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.

How is our county doing?

At a daily average of 53 gallons, Essex County residents used slightly less water per person, per day in 2020 than the state and nation, which had rates of 56 gallons and 55 gallons per person, respectively. Rates have remained fairly flat since 2011 in Essex, the state and the nation.

How do we compare to similar counties?

The rate of water usage per capita in Essex County was similar to Middlesex, MA (52 gallons) and higher than both Lake, IL and Westchester, NY (49 and 43 gallons respectively).

Notes about the data

Rates reflect residential water delivered by public water systems. The values are based on updated U.S. Geological Survey estimates and then summarized to the county, state, and national level.