Time to Cross the Water-Energy Divide

Tangible obstacles need to be Water-Energy overcome to realize the potential benefits of integrated planning between the two sectors. For example, unlike the electricity sector, the water industry lacks the capability to “generate” water on demand and is wholly dependent upon the availability of its sources. And while new sources are being developed such as aquifer storage and recovery, groundwater recharge and indirect and direct potable reuse, these have to be instituted as the result of long-term plans and cannot be turned on or off instantaneously. Additionally, while statewide directives such as Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2015 Executive Order B-29-15 may require utilities to lower overall consumption, currently water customers in California can’t be legally compelled to adjust water use on demand.

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