Reliable information concerning where water is used, how water is used, the quantity of water used, and changes in water use over time is key in making informed water-resources management decisions. Although projections of water-use estimates are subject to a variety of contingencies, ranging from natural disasters such as droughts and floods to economic booms or disruptions, they provide a basis for planners to evaluate the adequacy of water resources to meet future needs. During 2007, the State of Tennessee experienced a drought that limited water supply to several of the utility systems. As a result, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Resources (TDEC–DWR), entered into an agreement to evaluate 2010 water-use information and produce estimates of future water use in Tennessee. Estimates of water use for public supply were projected in 10-year increments through 2030 and were based on 2010 public-supply water data and population projections for 2020 through 2030.
This data release includes water-use data for public-supply water systems obtained from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Resources; U.S. Census Population Data from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2010, and population projections from the Center for Business and Economic Research in Tennessee. Data in this release were used to support the projections and trends analyses published in the companion report Robinson (20##). Reference Robinson, J.A., 20##, Public-supply water use in Tennessee, 2010, and Projections of Use, 2020 and 2030: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 20##-####, ##x p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sir20######.</abstract>;