Productivity and Efficiency
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, water efficiency is the smart use of our water resources through water-saving technologies and simple steps. Using water efficiently will help ensure reliable water supplies today and for future generations. Topics addressed in this theme provide insights, lessons, and guidance on how diverse stakeholders are working to improve water management and reduce water use.
Productivity and Efficiency Resources
Key Issues in Seawater Desalination in California: Costs and Financing
Published:
November 27, 2012Pacific Institute
This report assesses desalination costs, financing, and risks associated with desalination projects. Read more
Sustainable Water Jobs: A National Assessment of Water-Related Green Job Opportunities
Published:
January 1, 2013Pacific Institute
The report finds that proactive investments increasing efficient water use and re-use will both address growing problems associated with drought, flooding, and contamination and create jobs in a wide range of professions. Read more
Assessing Water Affordability: A Pilot Study in Two Regions of California
Published:
August 14, 2013Pacific Institute
The study's results show that a significant number of areas within water systems have unaffordable rates, even if the system as a whole does not, and so it may be more important to consider household income rather than median income when assessing and addressing water affordability...Read more
Water-Energy Synergies: Coordinating Efficiency Programs in California
Published:
September 4, 2013Pacific Institute
The report examines the barriers to coordinated water and energy efficiency programs and uses case studies to discuss ways that several California utilities have been able to overcome these barriers.Read more
Key Issues in Seawater Desalination in California: Marine Impacts
Published:
December 11, 2013Pacific Institute
This report examines effects on the marine environment associated with the construction and long-term operation of seawater desalination plants, including withdrawing water from the ocean and discharging the highly concentrated brine.Read more
Multiple Benefits of Water Conservation and Efficiency for California Agriculture
Published:
July 29, 2014Pacific Institute
This paper and infographic describe some of these benefits from water-efficiency improvements in California's agricultural sector...Read more
Desalination, With a Grain of Salt – A California Perspective
Published:
June 1, 2006Pacific Institute
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the history, benefits, and risks of ocean desalination, and the barriers that hinder more widespread use of this technology, especially in the context of recent proposals for a massive increase in desalination development in California.Read more
Optimizing Industry Water Use: Evaluation of the Use of Water Stewardship Tools by Great Lakes Basin Industries
Published:
January 1, 2012Electric Power Research Institute
This document reports on a research study funded by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the Great Lakes Protection Fund (GLPF), the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI), and the Council of Great Lakes Industries (CGLI). The objective of the research was to understand and...Read more
Water Prism Volume 1
Published:
January 1, 2012Electric Power Research Institute
The report includes a high level summary of the conceptual design of Water Prism, and walks the reader through the major steps of a Water Prism analysis. The report explains in detail the calculations for free flowing rivers, impoundments and rivers below impoundments, and groundwater. The report...Read more
Water and Sustainbility (Volume1): Research Plan
Published:
January 1, 2002Electric Power Research Institute
The objective of this study was to determine the likelihood, magnitude, and timing of water shortages, and the degree of electric supply and demand dependency on water -- and to develop a research plan to address the water and sustainability issue before it becomes critical. This research plan...Read more
Don't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.