An Interactive Map of California's Urban Water Use

"A new web app from the Pacific Institute shows how different California cities are responding to the ongoing drought. This web feature brings to life newly-released data on urban water use, and allows users to explore trends and patterns in that use," according to a post on the Pacific Institute's website.

The database is made possible by requirements dating back to July 2014 requiring urban water utilities with more than 3,000 customers to report water use each month. "These new data show total urban water use, as well as residential water use, i.e., the estimated portion used by residents in and around their homes."

As explained by the Pacific Institute, the database and map allows users to pose and answer questions about urban water use. "For example, why is water use higher or lower in some areas? How have cities responded to Governor Jerry Brown’s call to reduce their water use by 20 percent? Have high water users had more success at conservation than areas where water use was already low?"