Water Distribution
Summary: The energy source of electricity used to operate a public water supply system determines its climate impact (Drawdown). Is your local electricity generated from fossil fuels, nuclear, or renewable energy sources? Many water agencies are building their own renewable energy sources so that they can be low-carbon and less vulnerable to spikes in energy prices.
How efficient is your local water distribution system? Leaks in water supply pipes lose billions of gallons each year in California (Daily Breeze). You can look up a water agency’s Water Audit Data Report here (Water Audit Data Reports) to see what percentage of conveyed water is ‘non-revenue’ (leaks).
Leaks in a city’s wastewater system can lead to waste. Groundwater and storm water can infiltrate cracks in old pipes leading to the sewage treatment plant. Sometimes downspouts, sump pumps or storm drains are wrongly connected to the sewer system. This increases the volume of liquid that has to be handled by the wastewater treatment plant. Does your city have a maintenance plan that will find and fix inflow and infiltration in the sewer system?
Goal: Efficient (not leaky) water distribution and wastewater systems run by 100% renewable electricity.