EP Online reports how using solar energy for water treatment amounts to more than just a drop in the proverbial ocean.
The report's based on an American study - the figures discussed are huge!
So what potential for the UK?
I'll quote this passage and leave you to read the rest in your own time...
"American Water set a goal to lower its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per volume of water produced by 16 percent by the year 2017. Considering that we treat, pump and deliver 1 billion gallons of water a day, the goal is significant."
"The system, which supplements 20 percent of the peak usage power needed to run the plant, reduces energy usage by 817,000 kilowatt-hours of AC a year. This prevents 1,875 pounds of nitrogen oxide, 3,927 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 1,115,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the air. According to EPA and the U.S. Climate Technology Cooperation, this savings in carbon dioxide pollution is equivalent to planting 125 acres of tree seedlings or preserving 5.6 acres of land from deforestation."
Click here to read more. You see, when you set your mind to it, so much can be achieved with renewable energy.
Whilst using a rainwater collection system conserves water and saves drinking water for drinking use, (rainwater collection systems can be used to flush toilets with etc), the water still has to be treated at the other end. However, by using untreated water in the first place, that is saving energy and resources.
photo credit: alan cleaver
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