Water Efficiency Strategies
courtesy of United States Environmental Protection Agency
Drinking water systems can implement water efficiency measures and still deliver an unchanged or improved level of service to consumers while reducing overhead costs. Improving water efficiency reduces operating costs (e.g., pumping and treatment) and reduces the need to develop new supplies and expand our water infrastructure. It also reduces withdrawals from limited freshwater supplies, leaving more water for future use and improving the ambient water quality and aquatic habitat.
More and more utilities are using water efficiency and consumer conservation programs to increase the sustainability of their supplies. Case studies demonstrate substantial opportunities to improve efficiency through supply-side practices, such as accurate meter reading and leak detection and repair programs, as well as through demand-side strategies, such as conservation-based water rates and public education programs.
Supply-Side Strategies for Water Suppliers
Accounting for Water—Accounting for water is an essential step toward ensuring that a water utility is sustainable. This is best accomplished when water systems meter use by their customers. Metering helps to identify losses due to leakage and also provides the foundation on which to build an equitable rate structure to ensure adequate revenue to operate the system.
Water Loss Control—National studies indicate that, on average, 14 percent of the water treated by water systems is lost to leaks. Some water systems have reported water losses exceeding 60 percent. Accounting for water and minimizing water loss are critical functions for any water utility that wants to be sustainable.
Demand-Side Strategies for Water Suppliers
Water Rates—One of the most effective ways to reduce demand for water is to establish rates that escalate as more water is used.
Consumer Efficiency—Consumers can reduce water use by installing water-efficient products or employing efficiency practices, such as turning the water off while brushing teeth or running washing machines only when they are full. Water systems can promote these actions through consumer rebate and education programs.
EPA's WaterSense Program—WaterSense seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices. Visit the website for information on water-efficient products and practices, as well as utilities who offer rebates for WaterSense labeled products. Water systems can also apply to become a WaterSense program partner and receive tools they can use to promote their own water efficiency programs.
implement -- to put in place
infrastructure -- the physical structures necessary for a system to operate
ambient -- existing; already present
revenue -- earned money or income
Question 1
Part A
Which structure does the author use to organize information in the text “Water Efficiency Strategies”?
The author lists terms that define different kinds of water systems.
The author uses a heading for each method of conserving water.
The author shares examples of times that consumers tend to use the least amount of water.
The author compares and contrasts three possible ways to conserve water in each paragraph.
Question 2
Part B
How does the section "Demand-Side Strategies for Water Suppliers" contribute to the structure and organization identified in Part A?
It provides examples of ways consumers can reduce their water usage.
It includes water efficiency measures that consumers and suppliers can implement.
It informs the reader about programs that address each water conservation method in the text.
It introduces the topic of improving water systems and outlines the methods the author will discuss.
