Tapping energy from municipal and industrial water systems

Public water systems (PWS’s) service water for municipal and industrial purposes, as water is supplied, used, and discharged. These systems transport water from a lake (or reservoir) to a water treatment plant for public, commercial, or industrial consumption. After the water is used, it is transported to a wastewater treatment facility before safely discharging to a receiving water body. Hydroelectric power (or hydropower) can be added to PWS’s to generate electricity from the flowing water, with ideal solutions located where extra pressure exists. Such application of energy technology is referred to as “conduit hydropower.” Because they leverage existing infrastructure and impart minimal environmental impact, conduit hydropower projects are subject to a simplified, 45-day federal regulatory approval process – much shorter than other forms of hydropower.