Which factor is a key indicator for estimating water usage in a single-family dwelling?

The number of bedrooms is a key indicator for estimating water usage in a single-family dwelling because it directly correlates with the number of occupants likely to reside in the home. More bedrooms typically indicate a larger household, which can lead to higher water consumption. Each occupant contributes to water usage through various activities such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

While the number of bathrooms, square footage, and the number of rooms can also provide insights into water usage, they do not necessarily correlate as closely with the actual number of residents living in the home. For instance, a house can have many rooms but only a few residents, which may not lead to high water usage. Therefore, the number of bedrooms serves as a more accurate measure for predicting water demands in a residential setting.