Checking the Regulatory Radar

Abstract

Energy is a utility's highest cost. Much of this consumption takes place in the treatment plant and is driven by directives in regulations that require the use of more advanced treatment technologies, which are more energy‐intensive. Reiling and co‐authors have calculated that the 18 existing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations cost utilities $187 million per year (in 2008 dollars) and consume 1.8 billion kW.h/year of energy. This means that almost 4% of the total national energy use goes to drinking water treatment and wastewater collection and treatment. The authors recommend that additional research look at the link between increased energy costs and rising operations and maintenance costs for advanced treatment technologies ‐ at both national and local levels.