Laserfiche WebLink
Santa Ana 2020 Urban Water Management Plan <br />arcadis.com <br />6-41 <br />6.10.2.1 Operational Control and Reporting Period <br />The City’s existing sewer system is made up of a network of gravity sewers. As explained in Section 6.6, <br />the City owns and operates two wastewater lift stations but no treatment facilities. Similar to the water <br />supply energy intensity, wastewater energy intensity was calculated for the 2019 calendar year. This is a <br />standard for energy and GHG reporting. <br />6.10.2.2 Volume of Wastewater Entering Processes <br />In CY 2019, the City collected and conveyed 21,768 AF of wastewater to OC San. The City provides <br />water for indirect potable reuse but the City does not have operational control over any part of the <br />recycled water system. <br />6.10.2.3 Energy Consumption and Generation <br />According to estimates referencing Southern California Edison Electricity Bills, the City’s two wastewater <br />lift stations consumed 60,245 kWh of electricity. There are no other wastewater facilities that are owned <br />and operated by the City. Currently, the City does not generate renewable energy. Energy consumption <br />data was estimated, based on pump hours. <br />6.10.3 Key Findings and Next Steps <br />Calculating and disclosing direct operationally-controlled energy intensities is another step towards <br />understanding the water-energy nexus. However, much work is still needed to better understand <br />upstream and downstream (indirect) water-energy impacts. When assessing water supply energy <br />intensities or comparing intensities between providers, it is important to consider reporting boundaries as <br />they do not convey the upstream embedded energy or impacts energy intensity has on downstream <br />users. Engaging one’s upstream and downstream supply chain can guide more informed decisions that <br />holistically benefit the environment and are mutually beneficial to engaged parties. Suggestions for further <br />study include: <br /> Supply-chain engagement – The City relies on a variety of water sources for their customers. <br />While some studies have used life cycle assessment tools to estimate energy intensities, there is <br />a need to confirm this data. The 2020 UWMP requirement for all agencies to calculate energy <br />intensity will help the City and neighboring agencies make more informed decisions that would <br />benefit the region as a whole regarding the energy and water nexus. A similar analysis could be <br />performed with upstream supply chain energy, for example, with State Project Water. <br /> Internal benchmarking and goal setting – With a focus on energy conservation and a projected <br />increase in water demand despite energy conservation efforts, the City’s energy intensities will <br />likely decrease with time. Conceivably, in a case where water demand decreases, energy <br />intensities may rise as the energy required to pump or treat is not always proportional to water <br />delivered. In the course of exploring the water-energy nexus and pursuing renewable energy <br />goals, there is a need to assess whether energy intensity is a meaningful indicator or if it makes