Watergy represents the strong link between water and energy. the Alliance to Save Energy explains how they have implemented their efficiency programme across the planet.
By Laura Van Wie McGrory & Arlene Fetizanan
Energy and water shortages have the potential to create crises affecting large segments of the world’s population.
Both energy consumption and water loss in most water and wastewater systems worldwide could be reduced by at least 25% through cost-effective efficiency actions. Using a combined water and energy efficiency approach since 1997, the Alliance to Save Energy’s “Watergy” program has achieved significant water, energy, and monetary savings in more than 100 municipalities in 15 developing countries, and is now being adopted in the United States.
The Alliance coined the term “Watergy” to describe the strong link between water and energy in water supply and wastewater treatment systems.
Its goal is to provide cost effective water and wastewater services while reducing energy consumption, water wastage and protecting the environment. Watergy project activities include energy audits, automation of distribution systems, leak detection and loss reduction, pressure management, installation of metering and monitoring systems, and distribution system modeling for water and energy efficiency.
The Business of Running a Water or Wastewater Management Utility
Water utilities may be privately owned or operated, but even state owned water utilities often function like private companies: They are under pressure to cut operating costs while still meeting the demands of their (often growing) customer base. Through technical and managerial changes in water supply systems, the Watergy approach helps utilities reduce water and energy [...]
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