Energy is used at all stages of water supply, from groundwater pumping for agriculture to the treatment of water for municipal consumption. Government planning typically ignores the energy implications of water planning, leading to higher costs for consumers and wasteful water supply decisions. Conversely, an informed understanding of energy-water links can reduce costs and resource consumption. This report presents a model for how policymakers and water planners can calculate the amount of energy consumed through water use to save money, reduce waste, protect the environment, and strengthen the economy.

The report was produced by the Pacific Institute in partnership with researchers at the Natural Resources Defense Council.