The need for reliability & buffers
It is frequently wrongly assumed that because allocations for domestic water resources are ‘small’ they will have little impact on those for other uses.

However, because of the critical importance of an uninterrupted supply, the need to safeguard adequate buffers in the catchment or aquifer systems to ensure this supply at all times, and the seasonal nature of much water demand (particularly for irrigation), serious conflict can and does occur between allocation for domestic and other needs.

Competition & efficiency
This competition for allocation and the priority normally given to domestic use can result in conflict, especially when urban reticulation systems are accused of “losing” as much as 50% of the piped water and using water wastefully.