But the idea that new housing is connected to increased water usage does not, as they say, hold water.

https://santacruzlocal.org/2021/02/15/does-more-housing-mean...

As Santa Cruz's population has increased, water usage goes down. Replacing old inefficient single family homes with terrible appliances and plumbing, with 4x as many people in a multifamily building with highefficiency appliances and faucets, and modern landscaping, will likely reduce water consumption.