As a local official, how can you improve energy efficiency in water and wastewater facilities? Learn how to bolster the efficiency of water and wastewater facilities with these 3 time-tested strategies:

1. Equipment upgrades
2. Operational modifications
3. Modifications to facility buildings.

  Our online curated by Dr. Mark P. Rossow, Ph.D., P.E. outlines the policy mechanisms that many local governments have used to support energy efficiency programs in their operations. Investment and financing opportunities (including federal, state, and other programs) that may be able to help water and wastewater facilities with information or financial and technical assistance are presented. In addition, two real-life case studies of water and wastewater facilities are described that have successfully improved energy efficiency in their operations. Additional examples of successful implementation of energy efficiency in water and wastewater facilities are also provided throughout the guide. This engineering, online, PDH-approved course is based on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) document, “Energy Efficiency in Water and Wastewater Facilities,” from the EPA’s Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series, 2013.

Learning Objectives

At the successful conclusion of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Establish a facility's energy policy and overall energy improvement goals
• Assess current energy baseline status
• Identify energy objectives and targets
• Upgrade equipment such as pumps and blowers
• Modify operating practices such as reducing the amount of energy required to perform specific tasks
• Modify facility buildings such as installing efficient lighting, heating, and cooling equipment
• Maintain the energy improvement program
• Discuss relevant case studies