TOP 10 Ways
Utilities Can Save Water,
Energy and Money While
Preparing for
Climate Change
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TOP 10 Ways
Utilities Can Save Water,
Energy and Money While
Preparing for
Climate Change
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THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO
UPDATE VOUR EMERGENCY
RESPONSE PLAN
Climate change impacts will impose a challenge
to the water sector. Extreme weather events,
sea level rise, shifting precipitation and runoff
patterns, and temperature changes all have significant
implications for sustainabilitv of water utilities.
Saving water and energy can help utilities prepare for
climate change, and reduce costs at the same time.
Refer to these tips and make notes
update your Emergency Response Plan.
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notes
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Reduce
energy use
10 -
Conduct a baseline energy audit.
Develop a plan* prioritize
recommendations and make changes.
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notes
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Find
unaccounted-for
water
ri
Install and maintain meters.
Find and fix leaks in the
distribution system.
Conduct a water audit and make
recommended improvements.
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notes
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Conserve
water
8
Reduce peak demand
and future supply needs.
Help customers look for
leaks and reduce water use.
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notes
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Explore renewable
energy options
M
Reduce green house gas emissions
by generating or purchasing
renewable energy fwind, solar, etcj.
Investigate any tax credits.
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notes
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Save money.
manage efficiently
M
Implement an asset management plan,
Review rate structures for full cost
pricing. Include costs for
energy/water conservation efforts
and utility improvements.
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notes
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"Walk the talk"
Educate customers and employees
that finding savings is everyone's Job.
Promote water and energy efficient
products and install them in town buildings.
Use best management practices such
as low water-use native gardens
and drought-resistant grass.
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notes
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Communicate
4
Appoint someone to track
energy and water performance.
Use consumer confidence reports
to highlight your savings.
Uisit local schools and community
groups to teach the value of water.
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notes
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Conduct a climate
vulnerability
analysis
M
Learn about potential climate change
impacts to your area and infrastructure.
Review latest flood maps, weather/drought
trends, runoff and recharge changes,
water demand trends, and monitor
changes in water quality.
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notes
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Adapt
Fi
Design resilient Physical structures to
address identified climate vulnerabilities.
Adjust operations and source water
protection to more effectively manage
for climate change impacts.
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notes
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Update emergency
response plans
1
Emergency standard operating
procedures fSOPsJ should include response
to events such as droughts and floods.
Join your state's Water and Wastewater
Agency Response Network fWARNJ for
mutual aid support.
Work with your Local Emergency
Planning Committee fLEPCJ.
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These tools and resources
fand morej are available at:
www.epa.gov/ne/eco/drinkwater
Energy Audits/Tools:
EPA Guidebook on Energy Management
for Water and Wastewater Utilities:
a plan-do-check-act environmental assessment methodology
EnergySTAR Program and Benchmarking tools
for water/wastewater facilities
Water Audits/Unaccounted-for Water:
Alliance for Water Efficiency's water audit information
American Water Works Association's web
clearinghouse for water conservation,
efficiency, and demand management
Water Conservation:
EPA New England information on water conservation,
including the Water Conservation Plan Guidelines
publication for water system planners
EPA WaterSense is a voluntary water efficiency
program that helps consumers identify water-efficient
products and programs, including information on
irrigation landscape partners that can help you reduce
outdoor water consumption, save money, and
maintain a healthy and beautiful landscape
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Green/Renewable:
DOE's information on energy efficiency and renewable energy
EPA Green Power Partnership, a voluntary program that
supports the organizational procurement of green power by
offering expert advice, technical support, tools and resources.
Manage Efficiently:
EPA information on Sustainable Infrastructure and Asset
Management tools, workshops and guides for Water & Wastewater
EPA CUPSS software is a free, easy-to-use, asset
management tool for small drinking water and wastewater utilities.
"Walk the Talks'/Communicate:
EPA EnergySTAR and WaterSense voluntary
conservation partnership programs
EPA WaterSense water conservation educational
materials for teachers/students
Climate Vulnerability Analysis:
EPA Climate Change information on science and
health/environmental effects, resources
USGS water resources information
American Water Works Research Foundation report
on drinking water and climate change
Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies
climate change information
Adapt/Emergency Response Plan:
EPA Water Security & Preparedness resources
and tools for water infrastructure
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This especially durable synthetic
substraight enters the waste stream at a
far slower rate than conventional papers.
A category 5 polypropylene (PP)
plastic film, it is fully recyclable and will
remain inert in any approved landfill.
Safely incinerated in a modern incinerator
with an atmosphere of excess oxygen,
it will yield only water, carbon
dioxide, and ash.
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TOP 10 List • At-a-Glance
10. Reduce energy use
9. Find unaccounted-for water
8. Conserve water
7. Explore renewable energy options
6. Save money, manage efficiently
5. "Walk the talk"
4. Communicate
3. Conduct a climate vulnerability analysis
2. Adapt
1. Update emergency response plans
EPA-901-F-09-036
November 2009
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Drinking
Water
Security
www.epa.gov/ne/eco/drinkwater/
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