waste LESS WATER
Water and energy are linked. Energy is used to treat, transport, and heat water. Water is used to extract fuels and generate electricity.
Waste water treatment consumes extraordinary amounts of electricity. The Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, which serves 2.4 million Chicago area residents, uses enough electricity each day to power 4,500 homes for a month.
Chicago's combined sewer system collects both used water from homes and clean rainwater flowing off streets. Water from both sources is cleaned together and then simply dumped in the Chicago River. We never even use it again! The water entering our homes comes from Lake Michigan.
Limiting home water usage and keeping rainwater out of the sewers will therefore help reduce total electricity usage in Chicago. Below are a few local resources to help with both.
Waste water treatment consumes extraordinary amounts of electricity. The Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, which serves 2.4 million Chicago area residents, uses enough electricity each day to power 4,500 homes for a month.
Chicago's combined sewer system collects both used water from homes and clean rainwater flowing off streets. Water from both sources is cleaned together and then simply dumped in the Chicago River. We never even use it again! The water entering our homes comes from Lake Michigan.
Limiting home water usage and keeping rainwater out of the sewers will therefore help reduce total electricity usage in Chicago. Below are a few local resources to help with both.
MeterSave is a free program that helps Chicago homeowners lower their water bills by reducing their water usage. A water meter is installed that allows residents to only pay for water they use. Currently, in homes without a meter, a fixed fee is charged related to the home's size.
Program participants save on average 60% vs. their previous fixed fee bills. Those who conserve water can save significantly more -- e.g., water bills of just $60 a year vs. a previous $600.
Program participants save on average 60% vs. their previous fixed fee bills. Those who conserve water can save significantly more -- e.g., water bills of just $60 a year vs. a previous $600.
A leaky toilet or inefficient shower head can waste large amounts of water. So fixing and improving our plumbing and home water management helps to save electricity.
C3 leader and Chicago "green plumber" Rob West maintains a Facebook Page with ideas and videos on saving water through simple plumbing modifications. He also teaches classes to residents on both green plumbing and urban stormwater management.
Green plumbing ideas include replacing toilet tank flappers every five years, installing a dual-flush toilet kit, connecting low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, and collecting cold water in pitchers while waiting for it to warm up, then using it later to flush toilets or water plants.
C3 leader and Chicago "green plumber" Rob West maintains a Facebook Page with ideas and videos on saving water through simple plumbing modifications. He also teaches classes to residents on both green plumbing and urban stormwater management.
Green plumbing ideas include replacing toilet tank flappers every five years, installing a dual-flush toilet kit, connecting low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, and collecting cold water in pitchers while waiting for it to warm up, then using it later to flush toilets or water plants.
Managing Stormwater at Home is a free guide from the City of Chicago to help residents keep rainwater out of the sewer, limit basement flooding, and prevent sewer overflow during heavy rains.
Suggestions include:
Disconnect downspouts to allow rainwater to flow into the soil or collect in rain barrels to use later to water lawns and plants.
Plant trees, rain gardens, and green roofs to absorb rainwater.
Replace concrete sidewalks and driveways with permeable paving to allow water to seep through into the ground.
Suggestions include:
Disconnect downspouts to allow rainwater to flow into the soil or collect in rain barrels to use later to water lawns and plants.
Plant trees, rain gardens, and green roofs to absorb rainwater.
Replace concrete sidewalks and driveways with permeable paving to allow water to seep through into the ground.
H2ouse.org is a comprehensive website from California with multiple ideas for how to conserve water throughout the house -- from clothes washing to landscaping.