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Mitigating Climate Change in Urban Environments: Management of Water Supplies

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Climate Change and Water Resources

Part of the book series: The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry ((HEC,volume 25))

Abstract

Energy and water are tightly connected but the possibility of mitigating climate change through water supply decisions has not been fully explored. The potential for improved efficiency is examined through analysis of the water supply systems in the five largest US cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia. The energy intensity of water supply in these cities ranges from 0.15 to 1.34 kWh/m3, largely due to pumping requirements. These cities also demonstrate opportunities to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from water supply through source water protection, selection of alternative water supplies, repair and replacement of infrastructure, water conservation, and use of alternative energy supplies. Finally, decentralization of water supplies may also provide opportunities for improved energy efficiency in water supply.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Studies Program, Randolph College, Lynchburg, VA, USA

    Sarah Lawson

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  1. Sarah Lawson
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Correspondence to Sarah Lawson .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Plymouth Street 2502, Blacksburg, 24060-8256, Virginia, USA

    Tamim Younos

  2. Center Street 1422, Lafayette, 47905, Indiana, USA

    Caitlin A. Grady

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Lawson, S. (2013). Mitigating Climate Change in Urban Environments: Management of Water Supplies. In: Younos, T., Grady, C. (eds) Climate Change and Water Resources. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 25. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2013_224

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