Of Watts and Drops - New compendium switches on the lights for energy efficiency in water

Abstract

Water and energy Over the last few winters South Africans have become well acquainted with the flashing messages across their television screens warning of imminent power disruption as a result of a stretched network. And as it has become all of our responsibility to save electricity where we can, the time is now ripe for the South African water sector to implement its own energy efficient methods. Article by Lani van Vuuren. The energy required for water and wastewater treatment and supply has become a significant cost item for municipalities and water utilities, not only due to the need to expand services to an ever-increasing population, but also as a consequence of the implementation of new technologies to meet stricter potable water and effluent quality standards. Figures are not available for South Africa, but in countries such as the US, water and wastewater facilities account for up to 4% of the country’s annual electricity consumption.

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