Is Changing Climate Driving Water Management Processes?

Written by Donald Keer, PE

In light of the ongoing drought in the Midwest which is affecting food production, transportation and industry operations, a review of Federal recommendations is appropriate.  Not only is corn production stunted but the Mississippi River was closed so it could be dredged to ensure a 9’ draft for shipping.  Lastly, the availability of water for industrial processes such as cooling, cleaning and production must be modified to improve efficiency.  The Federal Government has established two sets of recommendations, one addressing Federal Agencies and the other addressing the private sector.

The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) established best management practices for water efficiency.  Federal laws and regulations require Federal Agencies to reduce and improve water efficiency (Federal Order 13423, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Executive Order 13514).

In light of the ongoing drought in the Midwest which is affecting food production, transportation and industry operations, a review of Federal recommendations is appropriate.  Not only is corn production stunted but the Mississippi River was closed so it could be dredged to ensure a 9’ draft for shipping.  Lastly, the availability of water for industrial processes such as cooling, cleaning and production must be modified to improve efficiency.  The Federal Government has established two sets of recommendations, one addressing Federal Agencies and the other addressing the private sector.

The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) established best management practices for water efficiency.  Federal laws and regulations require Federal Agencies to reduce and improve water efficiency (Federal Order 13423, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Executive Order 13514).

Federal Agencies are required to incorporate Best Management Practices on the following aspects of construction and renovation projects:

• Water Management Planning
• Information and Education Programs
• Distribution System Audits, Leak Detection, and Repair
• Water-Efficient Landscaping
• Water-Efficient Irrigation
• Toilets and Urinals
• Faucets and Showerheads
• Boiler/Steam Systems
• Single-Pass Cooling Equipment
• Cooling Tower Management
• Commercial Kitchen Equipment
• Laboratory/Medical Equipment
• Other Water Intensive Processes
• Alternate Water Sources

The EPA’s approach to water scarcity identifies water efficiency strategies.  These recommendations focus on water supplier strategies to reduce demand and improve efficiencies.  The first EPA recommendation is that suppliers improve their accounting practices and repair the infrastructure to reduce water losses in the distribution.  The EPA also recommends suppliers increase water rates.  The belief is that increased rates will lower demand and drive innovation in water efficient products.

LEED requirements provide a point based system but only 5 of those credits relate to water.  Low water use landscaping design, innovative wastewater strategies and water use reduction technologies are the only opportunities to obtain LEED points for water management.  While the committees are developing additional water management practices credits they currently trail the efforts of the Federal Government.

As engineers, designers, constructors and owners move forward with their construction projects it is becoming increasingly important that water management be incorporated into the operations.  Ultimately operations must do more with less water.  Some strategies do not require great technical advances, just the realization that water efficiency is as important as energy efficiency.  Some simple strategies include cascading water for process and building cooling and cleaning, precipitation of contaminants and recycle, hold-up of wastewater streams and recovery for gray water systems and landscaping.  In some municipalities 20-30% of the water that enters the distribution system never reaches an end user.  Whether due to leaks or faulty account methods, a municipality can increase its capacity and revenues without expending one dollar in the expansion of its treatment plant.  These simple strategies are well established and can provide significant reduction in water use.

As water efficiencies drive innovation there are new technologies and approaches which improve the way municipal, residential, commercial and industrial work together to reduce water demand.  Some innovative approaches include:

• Domes over potable water reservoirs
• Recovery of water used in HVAC humidification
• Electrical and membrane based treatment systems
• Leak detection and accounting software for building automation systems
• Cooling towers that minimize drift

Strategies to improve water efficiency and water management are not limited to the installation of low flow fixtures.  As water consumption impacts operations at the same level as energy demand engineers and designers will have more pressure to address these issues.  It does not matter if the engineer is working for a municipality or an owner.  Maintenance of infrastructure, incorporation of reuse strategies and development of innovative technologies are all necessary to address the current climate.  We anticipate that the Federal Government will continue to highlight water efficiency targets in its construction programs which will spread into the private sector.

While this article discusses issues within the United States the fact is that water scarcity, changes in precipitation patters and development of industrial operations around the world will also require the incorporation of water management strategies and processes.  Some of the worst conditions in the world may actually drive innovation for everyone else.