AwwaRF announces energy indexing report for water, wastewater utilities

DENVER, CO, Oct. 24, 2007 -- Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF), a nonprofit water research foundation dedicated to advancing the science of drinking water, today announced the publication of a new report on a method for water and wastewater utilities to compare their energy use with their peer organizations. Effectively managing energy use can significantly reduce a utility's operating costs.

AwwaRF has a long history of sponsoring research to help water utilities manage operations more efficiently. In the study on which the report is based, metrics were developed that can be used by a utility to measure and compare its energy use to that of other utilities. Using the method can help track energy use over time, and pinpoint where improvements can be made and where best practices are already in place. This study was co-sponsored by the California Energy Commission and the New York State Energy Research and Development Association.

"Ten percent or more of a typical utility's total operating cost is spent on energy to run the facility," said Robert C. Renner, executive director of AwwaRF. "The results of this study will assist utilities in developing strategies for more effectively managing energy expenses. Ultimately, it will help utilities to continue providing affordable water to their customers."

The water and wastewater energy benchmarking model from this research will be adapted and modified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in its ENERGY STAR program. ENERGY STAR is designed to promote energy efficiency, reduce pollution, and save money for consumers, organizations, and businesses.

The report, Energy Index Development for Benchmarking Water and Wastewater Utilities (order #91201), which includes the benchmarking tool, is currently available to subscribers of AwwaRF. The report will become available publicly early next year.

The Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF) is a member-supported, international, nonprofit organization that sponsors research to enable water utilities, public health agencies, and other professionals to provide safe and affordable drinking water to consumers.

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