Water & Energy Efficiency by Sectors

The terms “water conservation” and “water efficiency” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have two distinct meanings:

Water Conservation generally refers to a reduction in the amount of water used.

Water Efficiency generally refers to conserving water with water-saving technologies.

In the Pacific Southwest, a growing population is increasing the demand for scarce water resources, putting additional stress on aging water supply and distribution systems. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges.

To protect the environment and human health, we need to use less water and we need to use what water we do have more efficiently.

To save water, we also need to use energy more efficiently.  This is especially true here in the Southwest, where water travels great distances and even over mountains before reaching users. There is, in fact, an intricate connection between water use and energy use.

Learn more about water and energy efficiency in the following sectors and by doing so, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Agriculture
• Businesses
• Communities
• Homes
• Industry
• Oil Refineries
• Schools
• Thermoelectric Power
• Water + Wastewater