Most people who watch the news are aware that we have both energy and water problems in Texas. What a lot of people may not realize is that these two issues are related and affect the water we use every day and the energy we bring into our homes.
In order to better understand this relationship, I helped author a new report with the University of Texas Jackson School called Energy-Water Nexus in Texas that was released today. Check out the video below which gives a quick summary of the report’s findings.
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The truth is that energy and water are related in just about every way you can imagine. The water supply sector utilizes large amounts of energy to transport, treat, and deliver water. On the flip side, vast quantities of water are required to generate power.
As Texas continues to grow and pressure increases on our water and energy resources, the linkages between water and energy become more important. The cycle goes like this: A growing community needs more power, which requires more water, which uses more power, and so on.
Understanding this relationship highlights the importance of conserving water and practicing energy efficiency. For every kilowatt saved, water is also saved. For every gallon of water not used, energy demand is reduced. Investments in and incentives for energy and water conservation must be our highest priority.
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We hear a lot about the jobs that will be created as we transition to a clean-energy economy, but as a toxicologist, I like to focus also on the improved air quality that will result. However, until the day comes when everyone drives plug-in hybrids and industrial facilities are non-polluting, we must take immediate steps to ensure cleaner air for ourselves and our children.