a b s t r a c t
Holistic management of water and energy resources is critical for water utilities facing increasing energy
prices, water supply shortage and stringent regulatory requirements. In the early 1990s, the concept of an
integrated Energy and Water Quality Management System (EWQMS) was developed as an operational
optimization framework for solving water quality, water supply and energy management problems
simultaneously. Approximately twenty water utilities have implemented an EWQMS by interfacing
commercial or inehouse software optimization programs with existing control systems. For utilities with
an installed EWQMS, operating cost savings of 8e15% have been reported due to higher use of cheaper
tariff periods and better operating efficiencies, resulting in the reduction in energy consumption of ~6
e9%. This review provides the current state-of-knowledge on EWQMS typical structural features and
operational strategies and benefits and drawbacks are analyzed. The review also highlights the challenges
encountered during installation and implementation of EWQMS and identifies the knowledge
gaps that should motivate new research efforts.