For utility records, customers with similar patterns of water use are typically grouped into which class?

Customers with similar patterns of water use are typically grouped into the retail class because this classification encompasses businesses that sell goods directly to consumers. Retail customers usually exhibit consistent and specific usage patterns based on store hours, customer traffic, and overall business volume. This allows utilities to analyze water consumption trends and implement appropriate billing structures and maintenance schedules tailored to these patterns.

In contrast, the other classes—commercial, domestic, and industrial—represent different types of establishments. Commercial includes service-based businesses like restaurants or offices, which may have varied usage based on operational hours and occupancy. Domestic refers to residential water use, which typically reflects household consumption patterns that can vary widely from family to family. Industrial involves large-scale operations that often have specific processes affecting their water use, which might not align with retail usage patterns. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for utility management and resource planning.