EPA Releases Strategies for Supporting Efficient Water Use

EPA recently published a series of documents that provide information on issues related to water supply availability and variability, and energy efficiency. This information is directed to small and medium sized public water systems, state drinking water program, and technical assistance providers that interact with those systems.  Implementing water and energy efficient strategies provide a wide range of benefits for utilities, consumers, businesses and the community as a whole.  Using less water means treating less water, which helps reduce the strain on our water supplies and water sector infrastructure. Providing water and wastewater services is an energy-intensive effort. EPA estimates nationally 3 to 4 percent of electricity consumption, equivalent to $4 billion, is used to provide drinking water and wastewater services each year. Utilities use management strategies and cost-effective investments in water and energy efficiency to help minimize cost. These documents can be found at: http://water.epa.gov/type/drink/pws/smallsystems/technical_help.cfm.