Norris, P., Saichon Seedang and Mary Thompson. 2009. USGS Annual Project Report 2009MI136B, An Estimation of Sel-supplied Residential Water Use in Michigan. 4 pgs.

Abstract: Groundwater is considered the primary water supply source for residential use in Michigan. Nearly half of Michigan’s population relies on groundwater sources for drinking water (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality-MDEQ, 2003). There is increasing local and statewide concern about the growing demand for groundwater withdrawal leading to supply shortages. In addition, the depleted groundwater limits availability of water to sustain stream base flows during summer droughts and adversely affects aquatic ecosystems dependent upon groundwater flows (e.g., wetlands, rivers). Currently Michigan does not have precise information on water withdrawal and use for the residential water use sector, especially those that rely upon private residential wells. The proposed research focuses on an estimation of per capita selfsupplied residential water use at selected sites in Michigan. The research also seeks to understand trends and behaviors as well as factors that influence self-supplied water use.