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.
Texas Energy Exchange invites you to an online conversation about all things energy – as they pertain to the great Lone Star State. Everything from renewable energy to cleaner air quality (because we all know they’re interconnected) will be covered with hopes of encouraging interested parties to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns about the many challenges facing our state and nation.