THE VALUE OF RESEARCH IN THE CHANGING UTILITY ENVIRONMENT Water Research Foundation Robert Renner, Executive Director 1© 2009 Water Research Foundation.

THE VALUE OF RESEARCH IN THE CHANGING UTILITY ENVIRONMENT

Water Research Foundation

Robert Renner, Executive Director

1 © 2009 Water Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this presentation may be copied, reproduced or otherwise utilized without permission.

Water Research FoundationNew Name, Same Mission

Advancing the science of water to improve the quality of life

© 2009 Water Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.2

Foundation’s Contribution to the Water Community

Practical applications to help utilities optimize operations and ensure customer satisfaction

Early alert and proactive solutions on future issues

Direct, immediate benefits to utility subscribers


Current Topics of High Interest

Climate change

Distribution system water quality & infrastructure

Endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals

Work force issues


Public Health

Drinking water treatment protects public health– Multiple barriers

Thousands died in the early 20th century in developed countries

Millions still die Water is life You are the guardians of life

© 2009 Water Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A Strategic Assessment of the Future of Water Utilities

Top Ten Trends

1. Population

2. Political Environment

3. Financial Constraints

5. Customer Expectations

4. Total Water Management

6. Workforce Issues

8. Energy

7. Technology

9. Increasing Risk

10. Regulations


Population Growth

World population is growing explosively– About 1 billion in 1830– 6.6 billion today– 9.2 billion by 2050

Population movement– Urban and water short areas

Population demographics– People older than 60 will match less

than 14


Potential Climate Change Impacts


Hydrological Impacts of Climate Change

Warming intensifies the hydrologic cycle

Surface temperature increase

Increased water holding capacity

Increased atmospheric moisture

Changing Increased Frequency Intensity

Droughts & Floods


Climate Change Impacts on Water Utilities

Quantity uncertainties

Increasing unpredictability of precipitationMore difficult to captureIncreased evaporation from reservoirs

Quality degradation

Flooding - Increased erosion/turbidityIncreased water temperaturesChanges in watershed vegetationSalt-water intrusion

DemandIncreased due to higher temperatures


Technology

Multiple drivers

Impaired/degraded sources

Increased demand

Regulations

Emerging contaminants

Helsinki WTP

Photo: WEDECO AG Water Technology


Technology Nearly unchanged since 1900 Considered new

– Ozone– UV – Membranes

Cutting edge– Forward osmosis– Monitoring/smart chips– Nanotechnology


Energy

New technologies require significant energy increase

It takes water to produce energy and energy to produce water


Energy-Water Nexus

Thermoelectric power requires 136 billion gallons (515 million m3) of water per day in the U.S.– 39 % of freshwater withdrawals– 3.3 billion gallons (12.5 million cubic meters) per day

consumptive use

Coal accounts for 52% of U.S. energy generation– Each kWh from coal requires 3.3 gallons (12.5 l) of water

Consumers use more water turning on the lights than showering and drinking


Energy Water Nexus

Water/wastewater sector consumes about 3% of US energy

10 % - 35 % of utility’s total operating costs is for energy

50% increase in energy use for water in next 50 yrs


Finance: Utility Constraints

Cost drivers– Infrastructure– Technology– Regulation

Utility rate base can cover

Requires political will/leadership

Political Environment US is complex NGOs powerful

– Surf rider association Requires high degree of utility GM talent

– Public involvement– Legislative skill– Labor relations


Paradigm Shift

Old paradigm– Treat water– Pollute water– Use energy

New paradigm - Sustainability– Treat water– Isolate wastes– Reduce energy


How Does Research Help?

Addresses problem issues

Saves money

Provides credible information on highly visible issues


March 9, 2008Cleveland $1M Tidal Wave

“We hope that the work we’re doing in project #4035 with the NRC will help us avoid this kind of thing in the future.” Alex Margevicius, Assistant Commissioner


Fracture Failure of Large Diameter Cast Iron Water Mains #4035


Who do you want to do this work?


Risks and Benefits of Energy Management

Peak demand caps & peak shaving: $100K-$200K savings for Newport News RO system

Hydro-generation to sell back to grid: saves 30% of energy costs at Mohawk Valley Water Authority

Energy audit credit with retrofits to improve efficiency: 6-7% increase in efficiency at Des Moines Water Works


Applied Value Research at Las Vegas Valley Water District

Problem: Identify innovative ways to reduce energy use without compromising water quality

Implemented an Energy and Water Quality Management System (EWQMS)

Obtained $3.3 million in savings in 4 years


Applied Value Research at Las Vegas Valley Water District

Unexpected benefits: Reduced THMs Enhanced emergency response Improved pressure complaint

resolution Streamlined operational

troubleshooting


EDC’s - The Problem Defined…

What are they and why are there concerns?

Occurrence – which ones should be measured?

Treatment Process Effectiveness Toxicological Relevance How do you communicate about emerging

contaminants?


Climate Change Clearinghouse Web site


Regulation-Oriented Research Benefits

Research provides credible data to standard setting process– Origin and level of contaminants– Level and type of exposure and health risk– Compliance technology performance

Promotes the development and application of new technologies– Contaminant removal or inactivation

– Monitoring and analytic methods


Benefits of UV Research

The 2003 value of UV-related savings estimated at over $3 billion– Water Research Foundation UV research

investment: ~ $10 million

– Payoff of research: from 100:1 to 300:1


Summary: Utility world is changing, but research can help:

Save dollars—reduced or avoided cost Solve problems Arm with credible info on highly visible issues Do the “right thing” for water community

– Technical and business practice advances– Cultivating next generation of professionals– Improved public health, customer satisfaction


Remember:

Wonderful time to be a water professional– Billions of people on the planet– Only thousands providing safe water

Honorable profession Remember your mission

– Protect public health


Questions

For more information on

Water Research Foundation

Visit

www.waterresearchfoundation.org

Thanks!


THE VALUE OF RESEARCH IN THE CHANGING UTILITY ENVIRONMENT Water Research Foundation Robert Renner, Executive Director 1© 2009 Water Research Foundation.

Documents

water rich

science of water

water research foundationnew

future of water utilities

worlds water resources

water poor areas

limited water resources

water resource problem