ETA 2021 Strategic Plan - Flipbook - Page 66
Development of energy-efficient technologies
targets new improved sensor networks,
metering technologies, and computer simulation
models that can enable better management of
water distribution networks and identify leaks
and system inefficiencies. Also, energy costs can
be reduced through smart demand-response
schemes, deployment of renewable energy
sources, and knowledge of how water policy
affects water-use efficiency. Such improvements
enhance preventative and rapid response to
water-infrastructure problems.
Systems Modeling and Data Analytics
Using “geotyping” methods pioneered by ETA, a
spatially explicit database of carefully selected
and tested parameters that drive water–energy
nexus needs and performance throughout
the United States would allow policymakers to
identify and target interventions to strengthen
water and energy systems. We intend to
categorize regions based on capability to
meet future water and energy demands given
climate change. Parameters of interest include
current and projected seasonal hydrologic
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water availability in each watershed, aquifer
sustainable yield and/or overdraft conditions,
environmental flow requirements, energy
and other demands for water, water quality
and temperature, land use, demographic and
industrial shifts, trends in electricity generation
mix, water and energy infrastructure condition,
and more. Data analytics can help elucidate
these relationships and address issues before
they become problems. ETA has the expertise to
design complex models to identify critical needs
and guide solutions in a sustainable, resilient
manner.
ETA’s strengths in network analysis, machine
learning and optimization, life-cycle assessment
(LCA), and techno-economic analysis (TEA) will
be used jointly to develop a predictive model
for pipe failures. A tool that includes statistically
based pipe network profiles could overcome
this challenge and enable users to prioritize
their maintenance investments to provide the
greatest benefit to the communities they serve.
It also could reduce energy demands — directly
due to avoiding treatment of leaked water and
indirectly from avoided chemical use.
