A multinomial analysis of water demand

Abstract Observations of water demand in flats are analysed in terms of the combination of outlets simultaneously in use in each flat. The multinomial distribution is then used to predict peak flow rates in each supply system (hot, cold and drinking water) for different sized groups of flats and the total water demand of the flats is similarly predicted. The advantages of this approach to analysis and flow prediction are discussed in the text and possible other areas of application are indicated.