Water Efficiency

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Welcome to the Water Efficiency Committee

In line with National AWWA goals, the Illinois Section American Water Works Association (ISAWWA) Water Efficiency Committee will provide resources and educational materials for implementing and maintaining a water efficiency program at the municipal and utility level in addition to offering information about local water use to the general public, schools, and officials.

Interested in the Illinois Section AWWA Water Efficiency Committee and what we are doing?

Email: Amy Talbot, ATalbot@cmap.illinois.gov

Water Energy Nexus Survey

Community A spends $378,000 per year on energy while Community B spends $135,000 per year on energy.

Community A is spending almost 250% more for their pumping costs with a similar water source, population served, and treatment methods. Are you wondering WHY? That's what we are trying to find out. Take our Water Energy-Nexus Survey.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
• Opportunity for Peer to Peer assistance on how to reduce energy use and cost
• Finalized Report that allows for benchmarking with similar utilities in Illinois*
• Individualized analysis of utility data submitted
• Better understanding of the role of energy in your utility's water production to assist with short and long term planning, assessing infrastructure needs, and projecting revenue requirements.
• For every completed survey the committee will make a donation in your name/utility to Water for People

Estimated completion takes approximately 30 minutes. The survey can be completed online on via a downloadable paper copy. For more information, contact Amy Talbot at atalbot@cmap.illinois.gov
*Please note that Utility data will remain anonymous.

Committee Objectives

The Committee has four objective areas:

Communication, Education and Legislation: The committee will collaborate with other AWWA committees (such as the outreach committee) to ensure the flow of information to all stakeholder groups. Educational seminars will be held periodically to include topics such as water audits, general water supply background information, water efficiency BMPs and benefits, and rate structures. The website will serve as a “clearinghouse” of links, resources, and information. In addition the website will track and summarize related key pieces of legislation that affect municipal water use.
Planning, Evaluation and Research: Although the committee will not be directly involved water efficiency research, the website will serve as an access point for current in-state and out-of-state research efforts.
Programs and Technology: The committee will host at least one annual program; develop an evaluation program targeted toward utility managers and elected officials and explore hosting webinars throughout the year. Event partnerships with supporting organizations will be encouraged.
Involvement with Other Regions: The committee will continuously seek out opportunities to coordinate with other regions on issues and events related to water efficiency.

Upcoming Events

Full-cost water pricing webinar. On November 8, the Wisconsin and Illinois chapters of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) will co-host “Ensuring Sustainable Water Systems through Innovative, Full Cost Water Pricing,” a webinar for utility personnel, financial managers, and local elected officials. This webinar will provide information on using full cost rates to address cost recovery, finance aging infrastructure needs, and promote water efficiency. Presenters include Jan Beecher, Institute of Public Utilities, Michigan State University; Drema Gross, Austin Water Utility; and CMAP’s Margaret Schneemann, Water Resource Economist. To learn more and to register, click here or call 866-521-3595 ext. 2.

Committee Members

Officers

Amy Talbot - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Chair

Darrell Blenniss - CLCJAWA
Co-chair

Members

Mary Ann Dickinson - Alliance for Water Efficiency

Bill Christiansen - Alliance for Water Efficiency

Howard Heil - Heil2o

Cary McElhinney - United States Environmental Protection Agency

Jenessa Nesbitt - DuPage Water Commission

Mike Sturtevant - Chicago Department of Water Management

John Van Arsdel - M.E. Simpson

Catherine Hurley - City of Evanston

Jeffrey Edstrom - Environmental Consulting & Technology

Edward Glatfelter - Alliance for the Great Lakes

Bill Davis - CDM

Kyla Jacobson - Elgin Water Department

Terry McGee - DuPage Water Commission

Danielle Gallet - Center for Neighborhood Technology

Cassandra McKinney - McHenry County

Margaret Schneemann - Illinois Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)

John Dillon - City of Batavia

Michael Ramsey - Village of Westmont

Paul May - Village of Burr Ridge

Caitlin Feehan - MWH

Dennis Ross - Otter Lake

Ken Molli - Veolia

Michele Piotrowski - Engineering Enterprises, Inc

Pete Wallers - Engineering Enterprises, Inc.

Kevin Wong - City of Elgin

Ermin Arslanagic - Johnson Controls

Lin Goetz - City, Water, Light & Power

Sharon Waller - Sustainable Systems LLC

Tom Pape - Best Management Partners

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