Use Energy, Water Wisely to Minimize Summer’s “Twin Peaks”
Hot weather is just around the corner, and for SSWD customers that means air conditioners and landscape sprinklers will be running.
Everyone knows it takes energy to run an air conditioner, but few people realize how much energy it takes to deliver water to your home. The fact is more than 19% of the energy used in California goes to water-related activities, whether it’s treating, pumping and conveying water to your home, heating the water for your shower, or treating the wastewater that leaves your home.
In the summer, that connection is especially strong because demands for energy and water are at their highest. Heavy water use at peak times during hot weather means additional energy demand, which in turn increases greenhouse gas emissions. And because energy prices are highest during peak hours, it costs more to pump and deliver water to your home during peak times – which means higher energy costs for SSWD and higher water and energy bills for you.
The good news is there are lots of ways to address the “twin peaks” of summer energy demand. A great way is to water lawns and landscaping only when necessary and then only during SSWD’s off-peak times (11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.). Reducing water use during the peak energy hours of 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. translates directly into energy savings – a win for utility customers and the environment.
For more ideas on keeping the lid on peak water and energy use, contact SSWD at 916.972.7171 to schedule a free Water-Wise House Call. Then take a virtual tour of your home at H2o House to learn about water-saving opportunities in every area of your home.
