When trying to save water around the house, have you thought about adding insulation to your attic?
What many don’t think about is that there is a fundamental water-energy connection. According to the U.S. Geological Survey Water Use Report, the electrical power industry is the largest user of water in the United States, even surpassing agriculture! Thermoelectric generating plants (this includes almost all coal, nuclear, geothermal, solar thermal electric, as well as many natural gas power plants) use water when they generate electricity using steam-driven generators.
And that’s why SAVING ENERGY = SAVING WATER!
As we wrap up 2013 (and if you’re thinking about the purchase of meaningful gifts) check out Mesa’s Sustainability Savings Tip for advice to save money, save energy and reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season as well as into the New Year. And, don’t forget! Tax credits are still available on many of the energy efficiency improvements.
Oh, and by the way, the treatment and delivery of water requires a lot of energy, too! So every drop really does count.
Dive in to all of our water saving ideas here at Water – Use It Wisely to save water, energy and more!
Donna DiFrancesco is a Conservation Specialist and Samantha Booher is a Sustainability Intern with the City of Mesa, AZ. The City of Mesa is one of fifteen Water – Use It Wisely partners to offer water-saving advice and programs.