This report, published by the EPA in March 2008, provides some of the most recent data on the amount of water and energy that can be saved with existing technologies and expanded programs. The report concludes that while significant amounts of water and energy have been saved through conservation and efficiency programs, the implementation of a national program, such as the EPA's new WaterSense initiative, would greatly increase savings.

This issue of Southwest Hydrology explores the water-energy nexus from both sides of the issue--how water is used in energy production, as well as how energy is consumed to treat, distribute, and heat water. In addition to a variety of case studies, this publication offers a number of insightful articles on the intrinsic link between water and energy, including the water usage for ethanol production, water/energy comparisons between different types of cooling systems, the far-reaching benefits of water efficiency and much more.

Published by the US Department of Agriculture, this is the most recent report on climate change issued by a federal agency--and it might be the most sobering. This peer-reviewed report "focuses on the next 25 to 50 years, and finds that climate change is already affecting U.S. water resources, agriculture, land resources, and biodiversity, and will continue to do so." Most of these effects are negative and will very likely result in ecological and economic consequences for years to come.

"A water quality standard defines the water quality goals of a water body, or portion thereof, by designating the use or uses to be made of the water and by setting criteria necessary to protect the uses. States adopt water quality standards to protect public health or welfare, enhance the quality of water and serve the purposes of the Clean Water Act ...

Flooding events in many parts of the country are increasing in both intensity and frequency; stormwater management needs to extend beyond water quality and quantity management for new developments. This presentation from River Rally 2008 explores how to partner with local officials and implement creative approaches to alleviate stormwater flooding caused by poorly planned development. Presenter: Jennifer Coffey from the Stony Brook-Milstone Watershed Association.

This presentation from River Rally 2008 explores water conservation and the practical impediments to successfully implementing conservation programs. Looking beyond traditonal water conservation techniques, this slideshow offers strategies to help you design a conservation program and articulate the economic and environmental benefits of conserving water to water utilities, policy makers and the general public.

With droughts antivipated in most regions of the United States over the next few years, environmentalists need to ensure that growing demands for water can be met without harming our rivers and watersheds. This presentation from River Rally 2008 explores how improving water efficiency should be seen as a source of water worth investing in since it can delay or prevent the need for large-scale projects, such as massive dams and reservoirs, and leave more water in our lakes, rivers and streams.

This is the most updated version of Don Elder's evolving presentation on Water, Energy and Climate Change. It was presented at River Rally 2008 in Ohio. The presentation is divided into three parts to allow for smaller file sizes and easier downloads.