Water use and electricity-for-water savings trends in three representative U.S. cities

Abstract

A life-cycle assessment approach is used to analyze the energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions associated with potable water usage trends in three major cities of the United States in different regions and climates and relying on different types of raw water sources. Between 2011 and 2016, a decreasing trend in per-person water consumption is observed despite growing populations. The per-person water consumption decreased by 10% in Tucson (Arizona) and Washington, DC, and by 16% in Denver (Colorado). Leveraging certain distinctive water and electricity supply characteristics of the case study cities can provide insights into potential interventions and cross-comparison for generalizing trends. In Tucson, potable water production is the most energy intensive and electricity is produced mainly from coal. The greenhouse gas emissions of the per-person water consumption in Tucson are about five times higher compared to Denver and Washington, DC, thus water savings in Tucson should be particularly pursued. GHG emissions decreased in the period by even higher percentages than water use: 15%, 14% and 27% between 2011 and 2016 for Tucson, Washington, DC, and Denver, respectively. In 2015, just four years' worth of forgone GHG emissions in Tucson were somewhat higher than the total GHG emissions associated with water consumption in all of Washington, DC, a city with the same population size as Tucson. Results show that cities should prioritize promotion of water savings to decrease the average per-person water consumption because it can be achieved and can compensate for increases in population. Lower greenhouse gas emissions can be attained in tandem with the local electric power industry.