How many gallons are consumed on average each day across the week?

To arrive at the average daily water consumption across a week, one typically needs to consider the total water usage over that period and divide it by the number of days. If the correct answer states that the average daily consumption is 3,000 gallons, this suggests that the total consumption over the week is 21,000 gallons (3,000 gallons multiplied by 7 days).

Choosing 3,000 gallons as the average indicates a stable and reliable consumption pattern for a very small water system, which may reflect typical residential or community usage. Understanding average daily consumption is crucial for water system management, as it helps in planning for water supply, infrastructure needs, and maintenance schedules. This aligns with standard practices in water system assessments, where knowing daily averages allows operators to forecast demand and manage resources efficiently.

The other options likely reflect rates too high or too low based on typical small water system consumption data. Choosing an average well within the range of expected use is integral for the sustainability and management of a water system, ensuring that the supply meets the community's needs without overcommitting resources.