River Network Discusses Water-Energy Nexus on Local TV Show

A few months ago on a mild evening in March, one of River Network’s own was put in the spotlight, on the big screen, to spread the seed, commonwealth and knowledge of water-energy-nexusism. On March 4, 2010, Bevan Griffith-Sattepsiel, River Network’s Saving Water, Saving Energy Project Coordinator, was the featured guest on The Waterspot, a Portland Metro Area public access television program. Check out the clips below.

In an hour long, somewhat unorganized bumble around quite a vast subject matter (not to cast blame on either the show production or the guest speaker), Bevan introduces the concept of a synergistic relationship between water and energy. To enhance your viewing pleasure, I’ve taken the liberty to splice up the hour long video into 11 somewhat cohesive, easy to follow, water-energy nexus sub-sections. Watch one topic which looks of interest to you, watch a few, or watch ‘em all, just try not to discredit the invaluable information being dispensed due to Bevan’s ‘straight outta college’/ ‘bohemian Portland’ look.

At any rate, enjoy the videos:

What is the Carbon Footprint of Water

In this clip Bevan briefly discusses the 2009 River Network report ‘The Carbon Footprint of Water,’ introducing some key findings and statistics regarding water withdrawal, consumption and waste on both the supply and demand sides of energy production.

How is Water Embedded in Energy?

On average 2 gallons of water are consumed for every Kilowatt/hour of electricity produced in the US. In this clip Bevan discusses the interconnectivities between water and energy, focusing specifically on the water withdrawals and consumption embedded in the production of energy

How can Changing Energy Sources Save Water?

Here bevan discusses the differing water withdrawal and consumptive uses for varying energy sources including thermoelectric, hydroelectric, photovoltaic, wind, natural gas and nuclear, stressing the importance of utilizing energy sources which put the least pressure on an already threatened national clean water supply.

How Much Water can Windpower Save?

Similarly to the last clip, here Bevan discusses the massive potential water savings which can be achieved through the use of wind power as an energy source instead of primarily used and highly water intensive thermoelectric and hydroelectric power.

How can Low Impact Development (LID) Achieve Water and Energy Savings?

In this clip, bevan discusses the potential for energy savings, as well as water quantity and quality savings which can be achieved through the implementation of Low Impact Development in our communities.

What are the Benefits of New Efficient Showerheads?

Here, Bevan describes the new efficiency standards of EPA approved Water Sense showerheads and the potential water and energy savings which can be attained by simply upgrading showerheads.

Hot Water

As heating water is one of the largest sources of energy embedded in the water cycle, it is important to encourage efficient hot water use. Here Bevan describes the amount of energy which goes into heating water and ways to conserve in this routine aspect of our lives.

Saving Water in Restaurants and Businesses

This clip discusses the water and energy savings attainable by restaurants and businesses simply by using products such as newer, water efficient, low-flow pre-rinse spray valves.

How can Toilets Save Water and Energy?

Low Flow toilets are another medium in which both individuals and businesses can attain water and energy savings. In this clip, Bevan discusses the huge savings made possible by switching to efficient low-flow toilets.

Fixing Leaks around the House

Leaks around the house can be some of the largest contributors to your in-home water use. In this video Bevan discusses some of the potential sources for water leaks and how much they can cost you.

Savings through Efficient Outdoor Water Use

According to the EPA, about half of the water we use outdoors is wasted due to wind, evaporation, improper system design, and poor insulation and system maintenance. Here, Bevan describes the enormous amounts of water wasted everyday through outdoor water use, and discusses some ways to be more efficient when using water outdoors.