Analysing and forecasting peak demands on the public water supply : Water Resources - Planning for Peak Demands

The paper examines the magnitude of present and future peaks in the public water supply in England and Wales. Current knowledge is surveyed, including recent research undertaken for the Department of the Environment. Reference to a number of surveys permits a 'first-cut' estimate to be made of the micro-components of typical domestic peaks in south and east England, and judgement is used to predict peaks for 2021. Finally, evidence concerning the effect of domestic metering on peak demands is summarized, suggesting a major role for economic instruments in the reconciliation of future demands and supplies.