DENVER—A new state study says Front Range residents are using less water, but state planners expect population growth will leave Colorado facing severe shortages by mid-century.
The Colorado Water Conservation Board collected data between 2000 and 2008. The numbers show that average daily water use per person in South Platte River basin cities including Denver fell about 13 percent to 178 gallons, while use in the Colorado River basin rose to 256 gallons per person and use in the Rio Grande basin rose to 332 gallons per person.
A federal study based on 2000 census data showed the national average was 179 gallons.
Water analysts attributed the decreasing water use in Front Range cities to conservation programs with financial incentives.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
