The Water-Energy Nexus
Water and wastewater treatment agencies are large energy users that operate 24 hours a day. In fact, for many municipalities, water and wastewater treatment can account for as much as 30 to 40% of their energy consumption.
However, water and wastewater treatment agencies have not always been encouraged to address the energy efficiency of their facilities. As a result, energy consumption in most water systems worldwide could be reduced by at least 25% through cost-effective efficiency actions. Simultaneously reducing water leaks and improving management practices in utilities can dramatically increase the amount of water available to end users, while yielding significant financial savings.