by 2005 the metro area was using of water per day (about per person per day) from these rivers. this usage was reduced by more than 10% during the drought, but soared back up after watering restrictions were eased (and before the flooding ensued). the need for water is seen as a barrier to further growth in the area, but permanent measures for non-emergency water conservation have never been put in place. the state legislature has refused to pass a requirement for low-flow toilets to be installed in homes that are sold, bowing to pressure from the real estate sales industry.