As Seen in the July 2007 Bill Insert (pdf - 972 kb)

Cutting Down on Energy Costs - It's all in the Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to energy use. SSWD is doing its part to take a bite out of rising energy costs by operating groundwater pumps during off-peak hours to fill storage reservoirs, when electricity rates are substantially lower.

In addition to using energy-efficient pumps, the District takes advantage of off-peak rates to pump water from groundwater wells into storage reservoirs during late night hours. The stored water is then used to meet needs during peak demand times. Since it takes much less energy to move water from a reservoir than to pump it from 80 feet or 120 feet underground, the strategy reduces energy costs for SSWD.

Cutting back on energy use during peak demand times also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and that’s good for the environment.

The energy needed to pump, treat and deliver water accounts for 11% (about $1.9 million) of SSWD’s annual operating budget. The District continually strives to keep energy costs down to save ratepayer dollars.