Utilities
Water and sewer utilities offer necessary services to cities and towns along the basin. Managing waste and providing people with water are services that residents rely on. Conservation can improve these services and reduce negative effects on the environment.
Improvements to water quality will not only reduce chemical and energy costs, but also sludge removal and labor costs.
Utilties that have saved money by investing in watershed conservation strategies:
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A surface water utility for the Tualatin Basin in Oregon met EPA requirements for water temperature by planting 35 miles of shade trees along the river to cool the water, rather than spending $60 million in refrigeration systems, at one-tenth of the cost. (Source: EPA)
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An analysis of data and past studies within the Neuse River Basin found that a 30% improvement in raw water quality would lead to a savings of between $2.6 and $16.7 million over 30 years across the entire region (Elsin, Y. K., Kramer, R. A., & Jenkins, W. A. (2010)).
By investing in conservation practices and supporting healthy ecosystems, utilities can help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the resource their clients depend on by making sure they can deliver clean water to their customers at the lowest cost possible.
How can you help?
Utilities that haven’t already can partner with organizations that are dedicated to preserving Cape Fear fisheries and improving water quality. They can also implement more effective ways of handling water quality degradation and save money in the process.