As Seen in the June 2008 Bill Insert (pdf - 1,277 kb)

Well Efficiency Programs Key to Reducing Energy Costs

Keeping energy costs down is more than a good idea. It’s a key part of Sacramento Suburban Water District’s (SSWD) pledge to promote sustainability in all of its operations and decisions.

The District is delivering on that pledge by operating its groundwater wells as efficiently as possible. That means testing and monitoring pumps and motors to make sure they are performing optimally and to determine whether maintenance or repairs are needed.

SSWD also keeps an eye on overall water system pressures to reduce the amount of energy needed to “push” water into the District’s transmission/distribution system. Keeping pressures low enough to save energy and protect pipes from breakage while still providing adequate water pressure for SSWD customers is a balancing act that requires constant monitoring and adjustments.

The use of special tools such as variable frequency drive (VFD) pumps can help accomplish the goal. VFDs are designed to vary pump motor speeds and the resulting output of water in response to increases or decreases in overall system pressures. This rapid response to very small variations in demand helps keep system pressures consistent and reduces the number of times the pumps must cycle on or off – all of which saves energy.

Since the energy involved in pumping and moving water accounts for about 11% (or about $1.8 million) of SSWD’s operations and maintenance, efforts such as these can go a long way toward saving ratepayer dollars. Keeping a lid on energy use also reduces fossil fuel emissions that contribute to climate change.