How can Public Water Utilities Save on Energy Costs?
25 September 2017
In this day and age, most of us know at least a handful of ways to conserve energy and save a bit of money in the process. That goes for the home, and it certainly applies across industry. Take water treatment in the United States, for example. With thousands of public utilities in operation, the energy consumed is substantial enough to show up on national statistics.
The amount of energy a water treatment plant uses depends on several factors: local energy tariffs, the surrounding landscape, the type and level of treatment, the size of the plant, and even the state of its pipes. Of all the processes involved, pumping water into the plant and then out to distribution systems is the real energy hog. It can account for anywhere between 15% and more than 70% of a plant’s total energy use. The cost of water treatment itself can be anywhere from 15% to over 50% of the overall operating bill.
The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) points out that “efficiency is the most cost-effective way to meet our future energy needs”. They also note that facilities can cut between 5% and 20% of their total energy use simply by installing energy management systems. Anything that helps reduce energy use and costs is a win for both the environment and the public purse. And in this game, well-operated pumps are absolutely essential.
So, how can you make a difference?
By installing energy pump controllers with built-in efficiency features, you can see a noticeable reduction in energy costs within months. It’s a small change that can make a big difference — both in your bills and in your carbon footprint.