WATER-ENERGY PATHWAYS

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Recycled Water

One of California's most sustainable and energy efficient resources is recycled water

Yucaipa Valley Recycled Water Treatment Plant

photo by Caroline Minasian

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Water-Smart Landscaping

Recycled water and California-friendly planting substantially reduce potable water demand and water-related energy use

Irvine Ranch Water District Recycled Water Demonstration Garden

photo by Caroline Minasian

rainwater

Rainwater Harvest

Capturing and using rainwater on-site minimizes energy for pumping and treatment

Houweling Nurseries Rainwater Capture Basin with Solar Roof

photo by Jonathan Bower

potable reuse

Indirect Potable Reuse

Groundwater replenishment is one way in which recycled water increases potable water supplies and reduces energy use for water transport

Orange County Water District Groundwater Replenishment System

photo by Laurie Park

The water and energy sectors are natural partners: each depends on the other to reliably and economically achieve their respective missions. Numerous studies indicate that considerable incremental resource, economic, and environmental benefits can be achieved through integrated management of water and energy resources.

Despite high levels of interest and commitment from both sectors, decades of single resource optimization have hindered progress. Ultimately, maximizing the joint benefits of water and energy will require new policy and regulatory frameworks that enable optimizing investments across both resources. New metrics and tools will also be needed to enable evaluating multiple value streams from cross-cutting programs.