ECO Every Drop Counts report points to ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to improve efficiency of Ontario’s water and wastewater usage

On May 30, 2017, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) Dianne Saxe released Volume One of her 2016/2017 Annual Energy Conservation Progress Report, Every Drop Counts: Reducing the Energy and Climate Footprint of Ontario’s Water Use, to the Ontario Legislature.

This report focuses on the connection between water and energy in Ontario’s municipal water and wastewater systems - the largest energy users for most municipalities, accounting for almost

40% of the total usage, on average.

Municipalities spend roughly $260 million every year in energy costs to operate water and wastewater systems, and unless action is taken, this cost is likely to rise. Every Drop Counts identifies solutions for municipalities and the province, such as: addressing leaks of treated drinking water (as high as 40% in some communities), using more efficient pumps, adopting high efficiency water fixtures, shifting the timing of electricity use, and targeting summer outdoor water use.

The report also examines the related opportunity for municipal wastewater plants to become renewable energy centres producing low-carbon energy from waste. The report notes that, "with all levels of government planning major investments in water infrastructure renewal, Ontario municipalities have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cut the energy and environmental footprints of their water and wastewater systems."

Download Every Drop Counts: Reducing the Energy and Climate Footprint of Ontario’s Water Use at: eco.on.ca

 

See "Every Drop Counts, Energy Conservation Progress Report 2016/2017" on You Tube at: