Want to Save Energy? We Need to Save Water Too!

The connection between energy and water, often referred to as the “energy water nexus” is collecting attention from business leaders, policy makers, and citizens alike.
In short, this term refers to the close link between water and energy.  Water is used in nearly every aspect of energy production.  So, saving energy will save water, and saving water will save energy.

When we consider that demand for electricity is supposed to increase significantly in coming decades, it is clear that water consumption will also need to increase.  This links adequate water supply directly to the energy security of our country.  Clean energy technology such as biofuels and carbon sequestration actually require large amounts of water to produce, so while they cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, they may actually contribute to water pollution and waste.  Wind and solar power are the cleanest energy sources in terms of both water and carbon emissions.

Electricity, in particular, has a significant impact on our water supply.  Fossil fuel generation, nuclear power, and hydroelectricity all consume large amounts of freshwater.  It is estimated that fossil fuel generation alone comprises about 39% of all freshwater withdrawals in the US, which equals about 136 billion gallons of water per day.  When you do the math, it turns out that every single kWh of electricity uses about 40 gallons of fresh water.  Water is also used intensively for extracting the fuels that generate our electricity.  Coal, oil and natural gas all require a significant water supply to acquire, and, in most cases, contribute to fresh water pollution.  Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” is one of the most controversial topics currently circulating in the energy sector.  It is a hot topic because chemicals are mixed with water and injected into rock to release gas or oil.  There is debate over whether or not this practice contributes to pollution of the water table.

Clean water has a sizeable footprint when it comes to energy.  Energy is used to treat and pump water supply to homes and businesses.  In fact, the water industry consumes about 100 million MWH of electricity per year.  This is equal to about 4% of all generated power and most of that energy is used by water pumps.

The interconnection between water and energy means that conserving one will help conserve the other.  By becoming more energy efficient we become more water efficient, and vice versa.

A study released in May 2012 called “Fueling America and the Energy Water Nexus,” by the Atlantic Council of the United States outlines these issues in detail.  The study focuses primarily on the challenges in the water sector, but integrates energy efficiency and smart grid initiatives as solutions to the problem of water efficiency.  The study explains that electricity demand in the US is rising, especially in areas typically strained for water supplies, such as the Midwest that experienced draught last year.  This means water supplies will need to be conserved as much as possible going forward, and one way to help this happen is to become more energy efficient.

The energy water nexus reminds us that our resources are not isolated.  We often don’t remember how reliant we are on a good water supply.  Water and energy also both contribute to operating expenses of business and industry.  Enacting energy conservation methods in these sectors not only conserves resources, but can save money as well.

Source: The Energy Collective (By Jessica Kennedy)

Clearly, saving either water or energy saves money too.  We should be looking at ways to save water ans energy wherever we can so that we cab reduce our energy- and water footprints.  The installation of water conservation systems such as grey water recycling and rainwater harvesting can reduce utility bills for businesses and homeowners.  At the heart of most water conservation systems is the water tank.  Water tanks should be chosen carefully as there are many types, sizes and brands on the market but not all of them are safe for storing water over the long term.  We recommend JoJo water tanks and other JoJo Tanks products as they are made from high quality polyethylene and are guaranteed for 5 years.  JoJo water tanks and rainwater tanks also have an black, FDA-approved food grade lining that keeps water fresher for longer, inhibits algae growth and ensures no harmful chemicals are leached in to the water in the tank.  Click on the links below to view the wide range of JoJo Tanks products available in South Africa.

JoJo Tanks South Africa offer a wide range of plastic water tanks and chemical tanks to suit every household, business or agricultural need, including silo tanks and silo tank stands.  See JoJo Tanks VERTICAL TANKS, HORIZONTAL TANKS (transporter tanks), STEEL TANK STANDS and OTHER JOJO PRODUCTS. Also see JoJo Tanks’ NEW 6000 LITRE UNDERGROUND TANKS. Also see our FAQ and WATER TANK PRICES.

JoJo’s superior polyethylene plastic water tanks and steel water tank stands make JoJo Tanks the leaders in plastic water tank technology and the quality, affordability and guarantee on these water tanks make JoJo products the best choice in South Africa.  JoJo’s water tanks and chemical tanks come standard with a number of features that are often lacking on cheaper/inferior plastic tanks made by other companies in South Africa.

We are authorised JoJo Tanks dealers in South Africa and dispatch orders directly from JoJo Tank depots to save on transport costs. Full range of JoJo Tanks products and JoJo water tanks for sale.  CONTACT US for a quote on the right JoJo water tank or other JoJo product for you.  Special discounts are available on multiple orders of chemical tanks and water tanks and to our commercial and government customers.

SPECIAL ON MULTIPLE ORDERS OF 10000 LITRE JOJO WATER TANKS…CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE!

(15000 litre and 20000 litre JoJo vertical water tanks also available on order)

Live in the USA and need rainwater harvesting equipment?  Click HERE!