More water drinkers are coming to Manatee County. How much water is being used?
Manatee County’s population has grown by over 42% since 2010, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, and the county’s drinking water needs are growing with it.
The county has maintained an excess of drinking water for decades . But that surplus is decreasing and could soon be unsuitable for the number of developments and residents the county hosts.
A report prepared for the Manatee County Government shows that the number of people drinking water in the county could increase by 29% in the next 25 years. That is 124,000 people, inclusive of tourists, commuters and seasonal residents, in addition to those who permanently reside in the county.
READ THE FULL STORY: Is growth draining Manatee’s drinking water? Officials look to tap new sources
How much water do people use in Manatee County?
Engineers developed this report using a safety margin. The average person in Manatee County used about 97 gallons of water per day in 2024, but the report accounts for 110 gallons of water per day in the forecast.
110 gallons of water is equivalent to 2.5 times as big as the average bathtub.
The last population estimate by the U.S. Census showed that Manatee County had over 458,000 residents as of July 2024.
Using the 97 gallons per day average, Manatee County residents could be using over 44 million gallons of water per day. Using the 110 gallons per day average, possible water usage increases to over 50 millions gallons a day.
Manatee County looks to meet water need
In light of increasing water needs, county leaders are planning to draw more water from sources within and outside the county over the coming years.
At a recent board meeting, county commissioners unanimously approved a letter to the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority expressing the county’s need for 5 million gallons of water per day from the Peace River by 2036.
