Climate Change, Water and Energy

It takes a significant amount of energy to treat and deliver water to homes and businesses. Reducing water use translates directly into energy savings – a win-win for utility customers. Reducing energy use reduces fossil fuel emissions that may directly contribute to climate change.

SSWD customers can save water and energy by watering only when necessary and then only during SSWD’s off-peak times (11:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m.). Because energy prices are the highest during peak hours, it costs SSWD more to pump water during peak hours. Energy to move water is a significant amount (about $1.8 million or approximately 11%) of the District’s Operations and Maintenance budget. Customers can help avoid power outages and “brown outs,” not only by reducing energy use but also by limiting water use during the peak energy demand hours of 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.