AWWA JAW66944

The water industry is facing challenges related to growing populations and fixed water supplies. Innovative ways to allow continuing development while creating efficient, sustainable communities is a key goal. A partnership between a private builder in California and the East Bay Municipal Utility District in Oakland, California, is one example of such innovation. The authors demonstrate how to create a sustainable development with no net water supply increase. This information is applicable to any community that is or will be experiencing water shortages in the future and will be a model for other developers and water utilities in water-scarce areas to follow for several reasons: water supply shortages create opportunities for innovation; water savings in the range of 20-30% are possible for onsite reductions; offsite mitigation is possible where significant conservation potential exists within current service areas; and, creating a zero footprint for new development is one way to enhance the goal of sustainability. Includes tables, figures.