In the western United States, the relationship between water and energy is more than just a matter of convenience or efficiency; it is a matter of survival. The half-hour documentary “Water: The Lifeblood of Energy” offers a compelling and informative overview of this crucial connection, and how cities and utilities are working to maximize the use of every drop of water in the face of growing demand and competition.
The documentary is the result of a collaboration between Prairie Public Broadcasting and the Northern Great Plains Water Consortium (NGPWC), which brings together key stakeholders from the energy industry, municipalities, agriculture, and other sectors to address critical water issues in the north-central United States.
The executive producer and EERC Senior Research Manager Bethany Kurz notes that the demand for water will continue to increase with the greater need for energy. As energy production and distribution are totally dependent on water and vice versa, the need to balance the use of water between energy, crops, households, and industries is a critical question addressed throughout the documentary.
The documentary explores various strategies and technologies that cities and utilities are using to conserve and manage water, such as smart irrigation systems, wastewater recycling, and renewable energy sources. It also highlights the challenges and conflicts that arise when different sectors compete for the same water sources, such as the energy industry, municipalities, and agriculture.
EERC Director Gerald Groenewold stresses that an intelligent, objective approach to water use strategies is needed to provide long-term sustainability for each of these associated stakeholders. He adds that the documentary serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens to understand the complex and interconnected issues of water and energy.
Overall, “Water: The Lifeblood of Energy” is a well-crafted and insightful documentary that sheds light on an issue that is crucial for the future of the western United States and beyond. It offers a clear and compelling message that the careful management and conservation of water are not only essential for the survival of the energy industry, but also for the well-being of communities and ecosystems.