Energy Efficiency for Water and Wastewater Utilities

Water: Sustainable Infrastructure

You are here: Water

Water Infrastructure

Sustainable Infrastructure

Drinking water and wastewater systems account for approximately 3-4 percent of energy use in the United States, adding over 45 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. Further, drinking water and wastewater plants are typically the largest energy consumers of municipal governments, accounting for 30-40 percent of total energy consumed. Energy as a percent of operating costs for drinking water systems can also reach as high as 40 percent and is expected to increase 20 percent in the next 15 years due to population growth and tightening drinking water regulations.

The good news? Studies estimate potential savings of 15-30 percent that are "readily achievable" in water and wastewater plants, with substantial financial returns in the thousands of dollars and within payback periods of only a few months to a few years.

Determining Energy Usage—Provides tools and guidance for water industry professionals.

Cutting Energy Usage & Costs—Provides information on how to develop an overall energy management program based on EPA's Energy Management Guidebook for Wastewater and Water Utilities as well as system best practices and strategies for making your utility more energy-efficient.

Renewable Energy Options—Provides guidance documents and materials to help water and wastewater facilities implement on-site renewable energy production and/or purchase green energy.

EPA Webinar Series on Energy Efficiency for Water and Wastewater Utilities

EPA is holding a series of webinars to provide information to water and wastewater utilities on ways to improve their energy efficiency. Presentations from the webinars are included below.