Feasibility Study on Model Development to Estimate and Minimize the Greenhouse Gas Concentrations and Carbon Footprint of Water Reuse and Desalination Facilities (WateReuse-10-12)

Objective: To gather information that will help utilities estimate the carbon footprint of water reuse and desalination facilities. These estimates may support the development of a more accurate carbon footprint models for water reclamation and desalination. The maximum amount of funding available from the Foundation for this project is $25,000.

A carbon footprint is defined as the total set of greenhouse gases emissions, in carbon equivalents, causedby an organization, event, product or person. Several studies based on very general assumptions about energy have demonstrated the use of reclaimed water may reduce greenhouse gas emissions versus conventional water sources. Conversely, a frequent objection to desalination facilities is the carbon footprint is ‘too large’ because of the energy requirements from conventionally generated electricity.

There is a perceived need for more site specific carbon footprint models and equations to facilitate comparisons between alternatives based on net greenhouse gas emission potential and energy consumption. The eventual goal is to be able to accurately estimate the carbon footprint of the entire process, as well as to be able to break down the carbon footprint for the separate components, so that the different processes and options can be examined independently. The ultimate goal is to be able to make the best use of resources while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible.