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
Energy Implications of Bottled Water
Published:
February 19, 2009Pacific Institute
This article analyses the energy requirements for various stages in bottled water production, including the energy to manufacture the plastic bottles, process the water and the bottles, and transport and cool the final product.Read more
Overview of Greywater Reuse: the Potential of Greywater Systems to Aid Sustainable Water Management
Published:
November 18, 2010Pacific Institute
This paper provides a broad overview of the state of greywater implementation and policy, with a special emphasis on the Middle East. It examines the potential of greywater to reduce the water and energy intensity of water uses, and it analyzes key issues that must be addressed for greywater to be...Read more
Water for Energy: Future Water Needs for Electricity in the Intermountain West
Published:
November 3, 2011Pacific Institute
This analysis evaluates future water needs for different energy futures and identifies a growing risk of conflicts between electricity production and water availability in the U.S. Intermountain West. The new report also identifies strategies to ensure the long-term sustainable use of both...Read more
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
Don't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.