Water Efficiency and Conservation: a Tool to Address and Prepare for Climate Change in Georgia
Author(s)
Ingle, April Rose
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Carroll, G. Denise
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Abstract
Over Georgia has many roles to play in reducing carbon emissions to address global warming. With water-related energy use equivalent to at least 13% of the United States' annual electricity consumption and 5% of carbon emissions (i), water conservation, efficiency, re-use and low-impact development are important strategies to address and prepare for the worst impacts of global warming on our rivers, in addition to meeting our water supply demands. River Network (national) has produced a report, “The Carbon Footprint of Water,” that will be the basis of this presentation. The presentation will outline: • The energy used to pump water, treat and distribute drinking water, and treat and discharge wastewater. • The associated carbon dioxide emissions of this energy use, and carbon dioxide reductions that would be expected from decreased energy use resulting from water conservation and efficiency. • Specific recommendations on water conservation and efficiency practices for Georgia. • The water, energy (and subsequent carbon dioxide emissions), and money savings that can be incurred by utilities and households by implementing these recommendations. • How these policies can allow us to mitigate the impact of climate change on freshwater resources. The link between water and energy presents us with a valuable opportunity to better manage two of our most valuable resources and reduce carbon emissions to address climate change.
Sponsor
Sponsored by:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Water Science Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute
The University of Georgia, Water Resources Faculty
Date
2011-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings