The ‘Greening’ of Water: Taking Aim at Climate Change Through Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Increasing Efficiency

This article discusses American Water's efforts to implement measures that increase efficiency, conserve energy and water, and reduce waste. In addition to maintaining a regular schedule of assessments and audits to ensure that American Water's facilities are compliant, the water provider is taking steps to ensure the sustainable use of resources. The article discusses four key areas where sustainable efforts are focused: design for efficiency via enhanced pumping, lighting, and process design standards; construct for efficiency using sustainable construction standards and methods; operate for efficiency using enhanced best operating practices and leak detection and repair procedures; and, maintain for efficiency via computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and preventive maintenance systems.