Water–Energy Nexus
Explain how saving water saves energy and vice versa.
The Connection Explained
Energy needed to pump, treat, heat water; water used to cool power plants.
Energy for Water
- Pumping water from source
- Water treatment processes
- Water heating systems
- Wastewater treatment
Water for Energy
- Cooling thermal power plants
- Hydroelectric generation
- Steam production
- Nuclear plant cooling
Numbers That Shock
kWh per 1,000 litres treated/pumped
2-4 kWh per 1,000 liters
Energy required to pump and treat water for consumption
Litres per kWh generated (thermo plants)
2-3 liters per kWh
Water consumed in thermal power generation
Household Level
Hot Water = Energy Hog
- Water heating uses 15-25% of home energy
- Efficient water heaters save energy
- Solar water heaters reduce costs
- Insulate hot water pipes
Fix Leaks
- Dripping taps waste energy
- Leaky pipes lose heat
- Regular leak detection
- Quick repair saves money
Efficient Heaters
- High-efficiency water heaters
- Heat pump water heaters
- Proper sizing and insulation
- Temperature optimization
Rainwater Harvesting
- Collect and store rainwater
- Use for non-potable purposes
- Reduce municipal water demand
- Lower energy consumption
Industrial/Commercial Level
Cooling Towers
- Optimize cooling tower efficiency
- Water treatment and recycling
- Heat recovery systems
- Blowdown control
CIP (Clean-in-Place)
- Optimize cleaning cycles
- Water recycling in processes
- Efficient cleaning chemicals
- Automated systems
Process Water Loops
- Closed-loop systems
- Water reuse in processes
- Quality control measures
- Energy-efficient pumping
Condensate Recovery
- Recover steam condensate
- Reuse hot water
- Reduce boiler feedwater needs
- Lower energy consumption
Agriculture Angle
Efficient Irrigation (Drip)
- Drip irrigation systems
- Precision water application
- Reduced water waste
- Lower pumping energy
Solar Pumps
- Solar-powered irrigation
- Off-grid water pumping
- Reduced diesel consumption
- Lower operational costs
Soil Moisture Sensors
- Smart irrigation control
- Precision water management
- Data-driven decisions
- Optimized crop yields
Policy & Regulation Trends
Integrated Resource Planning
- Coordinated water-energy planning
- Cross-sectoral policies
- Efficiency standards
- Sustainability targets
Water Tariffs
- Progressive pricing structures
- Efficiency incentives
- Conservation pricing
- Revenue recovery mechanisms
Wastewater Reuse Mandates
- Industrial reuse requirements
- Municipal recycling targets
- Quality standards
- Implementation timelines
Action Toolkit
Dual-Benefit Measures List
- Insulation on hot water pipes
- Low-flow fixtures
- Efficient water heaters
- Smart irrigation systems
- Rainwater harvesting
- Greywater reuse systems
Calculator Links
- Energy calculator
- Water calculator
- Nexus calculator
- Savings estimator
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