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Issues: Water

Energy Down the Drain
The Hidden Costs of California's Water Supply

In the western United States, there is a close connection between water and power resources. Water utilities use large amounts of energy to treat and deliver water, and even after utilities deliver water, consumers burn more energy to heat, cool and use it. This August 2004 report from NRDC and the Pacific Institute shows how water planners in California have largely failed to consider the energy implications of their decisions, and suggests a model for how policymakers can calculate the amount of energy consumed in water use. Integrating energy use into water planning can save money, reduce waste, protect our environment and strengthen our economy.


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OVERVIEW & QUICK REFERENCE
Press Release

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Links indicate sections available as individual webpages)
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: The High Cost of Energy Use in Western Water Systems
Chapter 2: The Connections Between Water and Energy
Chapter 3: San Diego County -- Energy and Urban Water
Chapter 4: Westlands Water District -- Energy and Agricultural Water
Chapter 5: The Columbia River Basin -- Energy and Hydropower
Chapter 6: Recommendations for Water Policy
Appendix A: Urban Model Description
Appendix B: San Diego Case Study Data Sources and Assumptions
Appendix C: Agricultural Model Description
Endnotes