Saving Energy and Saving Water

Get out of hot water!

Energy and water are connected in several ways. Both are readily available in our homes and businesses. And we use water to generate electricity, either falling through dams or cooling power plants that burn fossil fuels. Saving energy and producing energy from clean sources saves water and reduces pollution.

Did you know water heaters can account for 14% to 25% of home energy consumption? By making changes, both large and small, you can save money. Many of the simplest tips also reduce water consumption, saving on another monthly bill while leaving more water for fish, flowers and frogs. Read more about hot water and cool climates.

Clean energy leads to clean water.

Idaho gets about half of our electricity from hydropower. But these big dams and reservoirs can degrade fish habitat, collect pollution and drown canyons. By reducing energy use, we can avoid the need for new dams and keep our water clean.

The bulk of the rest of our energy comes from coal- and gas-fired plants. These fossil-fueled plants heat up water to make steam and then use more water for cooling. By saving energy, we use less fossil-fueled plants, which saves steam and cooling water.

Clean energy uses water too, but not as much. Like dirty windows, solar panels need to be washed to let the most sun in. Wind turbines also need to be washed to keep the blades finely balanced. Geothermal uses hot water, so closed loop systems, like the one in Boise, that return the water to the earth are best.

The best thing about these sources? None of them spews pollution from smokestacks that can fall out into our water. By promoting clean sources we use less water and prevent smoke stacks from polluting Idaho's lakes and streams.

How can you help?

Take an individual action to reduce your energy and water use:

• If you live in the Treasure Valley, get a water conservation kit from United Water.
• Install the "low-flow trifecta"—showerhead, faucet and toilet.
• Check out Environmental Protection Agency's watersense page. Did you know that saving water saves energy at the treatment plant?
• Support clean energy sources.