Rivers, Energy & Climate

The nexus between water and energy resources drives increasing greenhouse gas emissions across the world. These two resources cannot be “conserved” or “developed” without impacting one other, and thus cannot be managed exclusively, but cohesively. The impacts of the water and energy decisions we make today will determine whether we create a “water crisis” that will only compound the existing energy crisis, or whether we move to a more sustainable future.

In the United States, water-related energy use (the energy used to heat, treat and pump water supplies) represents more than 13% of our electrical production, while at the same time electrical generation now uses 53% of our nation’s fresh surface water resources. Even as some communities increase conservation to avoid running out of drinking water, thermo-electric power plants (coal, nuclear, gas-fired) take more and more each year.

The energy industry clearly does not have water conservation on their radar. More than half of our nuclear reactors and almost half of our coal-fired power plants still use outdated and highly water-inefficient cooling systems, and efforts to sequestrate carbon emissions only significantly increases water use. Make matters worse, plans are already in the pipeline for hundreds of new thermoelectric power plants in preparation for expected growth in energy demand.

River Network is developing tools and resources for local organizers to tackle these issues at the watershed level. We help leaders meet each other, share successful strategies and take action. Our Peer Learning Network on Community Climate Response helps participants inspire their communities and build locally-appropriate plans for climate mitigation, adaptation and resiliancy.

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Water and Energy Efficiency Funding Opportunity Available!

Are you a state, tribe, irrigation or water district working on water reclamation, conservation or other water efficiency projects that address water supply sustainability in the Western United States? You might be eligible to receive significant funding from the Bureau of Reclamation and WaterSmart. There are two types of projects being funded, smaller projects over a duration of two years are eligible for up to $300,000 in funding, and larger projects over a duration of up to three years are eligible for up to $1,500,000 in funding. Project Proposals must be submitted by January 19th, 2012. See details here.

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Contact Information

Wendy Wilson
Nat. Director of Water & Energy Programs
(208) 345-3689

Travis Leipzig
Water & Energy Program Coordinator
(503) 542-8396