Saving Water Also Saves Energy
With drought conditions now extending over much of the West and
up and down the East Coast, it’s worth noting that saving water
also saves energy. People who pump water from their own well know
that all too well, but people that draw on municipal water systems
may forget that their water is pumped ® sometimes over long distances
® and usually requires energy-intensive water treatment.
Providing and treating water consumes about 3% of U.S. electricity
supplies, according to the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE). With that
in mind, the ASE is providing some tips on how to save energy by
conserving water. See the ASE press release at http://www.ase.org/media/newsrel/waterwater.htm.
The ASE also notes that most water utilities are missing opportunities
to save energy (http://www.ase.org/programs/international/watergy.htm).
Water is also tied to energy in a different way through the use
of hydroelectric power to produce electricity. But in California,
at least, there’s good news: the California Energy Commission
expects the state’s hydroelectric plants to produce a near-normal
output this summer. Although the southern part of the state is very
dry, the northern part, where the hydropower facilities are located,
has received normal precipitation this year. See the May 1st press
release at http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/index.html.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts
gradual improvement in drought conditions in the East and much of
the West, with severe drought likely to persist in the desert Southwest
and in Montana. See NOAA’s Drought Information Center, particularly
the ”Drought Monitor” and ”Drought Outlook,”
at http://www.drought.noaa.gov.
— from EREN newsletter, May 8, 2002
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