Saving Energy and Reducing Costs at Wastewater Treatment Plants

As energy costs continue to rise, many water and wastewater treatment plants are taking steps to significantly reduce energy use.North Conway Water Precinct’s wastewater treatment plant in North Conway, N.H., is one example. The plant implemented a number of energy saving measures on the equipment operation and water distribution side, and also invested in renewable energy.“The single highest cost of treatment plant operation is electricity,” says North Conway Water Precinct Superintendent David Bernier. “Eight years ago it was 35 percent of our operating budget; today, it is less than 18 percent.”The plant achieved this in a number of ways: Pumping water