Analysis of Performance
As of Q2 2026:
- Residential and commercial gallons per capita per day values are slightly higher compared to previous Q2 calculations despite being under a voluntary Water Shortage Watch since May 1. The increased use is likely an irrigation response to severe to extreme drought conditions and higher than average temperatures.
- Weather is the largest influence of water use. Other factors that influence use are efficiency and conservation programs, codes and standards, increased product efficiency and customer behavior.
- Data reflects treated water usage of Fort Collins Utilities water service area customers (billed consumption from about 80% of the overall city population). Untreated (raw) water, unbilled consumption, distribution losses, and use within other service areas in the city are excluded, with one exception - delivery to West Fort Collins Water District is included, whose estimated population (5,000) is also included to more accurately reflect water use per capita.
- Commercial and Residential use categories are based on utility rate codes. As a result, some residential water uses, like HOA common space irrigation use, may be reflected in the “Commercial” data series.
Metric Definition
This metric tracks water use (gallons) per capita for each quarter, split by commercial and residential water use. It is calculated by taking the total water use in a quarter, divided by the number of days in the quarter and estimated population in the Fort Collins Utilities water service area. This metric is expected to fluctuate throughout the year, as water use increases during the summer months and is higher in hotter, drier years. Data is provided by Fort Collins Utilities.
Why Is This Important?
Water is a critical ingredient for our community and using it efficiently is important. Doing more with less is necessary to achieve the 2030 Water Efficiency Plan goals and to improve our resiliency to fluctuating weather and climate patterns.
City Organization Impact on Performance
Medium – The Fort Collins Utilities' Water Efficiency and Conservation Programs provides programs and services to reduce water use. Weather, local economic conditions, and the everyday actions of residents, visitors, and businesses are the other influences which have an impact on the water usage of the community. Fort Collins Utilities only provides water service to about 70% of the City’s population, so the programs and actions of those served by other providers is not reflected here.
Benchmark Information
Benchmarking in progress