Water Abstraction

Water abstraction entails abstracting raw water from a source and conveying it to a distribution network or to a treatment facility, depending on the raw water quality. Water abstraction energy requirements and GHG emissions can be affected by some of the other stages in the water cycle, as noted on the left side column. However, other factors can impact this stage’s energy consumption and GHG emissions:

Water resource availability: not taking more from the environment than it can sustainably provide may require to reduce the volumes abstracted from a specific source.
Type of source (groundwater, surface water, rainwater, sea), which implies different pumping requirements or energy recovery potentials.
Energy source (renewable, fossil fuels, grid energy mix).
Pumping efficiency.
Water loss in water abstraction / transmission

Impacted by:	Impacts:
Drinking Water Treatment The distance and elevation of the drinking water treatment facilities will dictate how much energy is needed to pump the water from the source to the treatment.	Drinking Water Treatment The quality of the water abstracted defines the treatment required; hence the energy required.
Drinking Water Distribution Water loss in the distribution systems increases the volume of water abstracted and its associated energy requirements.	End users End users could be inclined to reduce their water usage if they knew the water came from a limited source (water scarcity).
End users The volume of water abstraction is driven by the demand of end users and how efficient they are in their water use.

What can you do?

Find out more about how you can improve specific areas of your system:

Expand All

Energy recovery in water abstraction
- Use of modern water wheels to produce electrical energy
  Description
  
  Modern water wheels can produce energy even at low water flow rates. Water abstraction devices exist where a water wheel provides the energy to a pump so that water can be pumped with no electrical energy demand.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Common head differences for overshot water wheels are 2.9 - 6.0 m and flows of 0.1 - 1.2 m³/s. Undershot water wheels have head differences of 1.2 to 2.3 m and flow rates up to 3 m³/s.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Renewable energy. Especially adequate for isolated areas with a poor access to a electrical network.
- In-pipe hydropower turbines
  Description
  
  Water networks and pipelines can be turned into generators of renewable energy from in-pipe hydropower, by harvesting excess pressure from the gravity flow of water.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Case studies
  
  LUCIDPIPE POWER SYSTEM CASE STUDY, Portland, Oregon
  
  DOWNLOAD
Global management solutions, guidelines or general information of interest for urban water cycle.
- Global management solutions, guidelines or general information of interest -Solution-
  Description
  
  Global management solutions, guidelines or general information of interest.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Global management solutions, guidelines or general information of interest.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Global management solutions, guidelines or general information of interest.
  
  GuidelinesLiteratureOpen source
  
  Water and wastewater energy best practice guidebook
  
  DOWNLOAD
  
  Case studiesLiteraturePaid
  
  Energy Efficiency in the Water Industry: A Compendium of Best Practices and Case Studies – Global...
  
  M J Brandt, R A Middleton and S Wang 2012
  
  DOWNLOAD
  
  LiteraturePaid
  
  Calibration and optimization of the pumping and disinfection of a real water supply system
  
  Matthew S. Gibbs; Graeme C. Dandy, M.ASCE; and Holger R. Maier 2010
  
  DOWNLOAD
  
  Assessment toolGuidelines
  
  Effective Utility Management – A Primer for Water and Wastewater Utilities
  
  THE EUM UTILITY LEADERSHIP GROUP 2017
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Proactive Infrastructure Asset Management
  Description
  
  The timely rehabilitation/substitution replacement of pipes and service connections enables the reduction of minimizes the number of unplanned repairs and water loss in the water abstraction system; hence, its energy and GHG emissions. An Proactive Infrastructure Asset Management aims at this.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Management has to be proactive and not focus on short-term strategies that lead to lower levels of service in the future and higher costs for the user. In addition to risk of pipe failure, the cost-benefit of rehabilitating/replacing pipe versus anticipated savings in energy and reduction in GHG emissions from water loss reduction should be considered.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Pipe rehabilitation/replacement reduces leakages resulting in energy and water savings, and GHG emissions reduction.
- SCADA System to control pump operation
  Description
  
  Use of supervisory, control, and data acquisition (SCADA) system for monitoring, supervision and controlling of pumping systems can help minimize energy consumption of GHG emissions. It includes measurements in real time of water levels, pressures, flows, energy consumption and other operational parameters. It also helps to adjust and control the pump station operation, contributing to fight water losses or infiltrations, reduce pumping during energy peak hours and adjust pumping volumes to the needs of the system. The SCADA systems provide utility managers with access to real-time operating data and can help offset the higher operating costs by minimizing unplanned downtime and improving maintenance plans. The SCADA system can also be used to optimize pumping in real-time through advanced pump optimization software and control, or through either a model-based or knowledge-based optimization that is implemented via a rule-based system programmed into the SCADA system. This type of optimization entails the use of algorithms to determine the best pumping scheme for a given situation. This can incorporate the peak energy times previously referenced, but also a prioritization of which pumps or pumping stations are used to maximize efficiency whenever possible. For example, if only a certain volume is demanded, then the SCADA system will first operate the most efficient pumps or pumping stations to meet the demand until greater capacity or more pumps are needed.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  • The initial installation costs can be high • Operational benefits other than energy efficiency are high • Cost-benefit based upon listed benefits
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  • Lower energy consumption and costs • Greater operational reliability and flexibility • Facilitates assessing system performance and reporting • Improved asset management • Reduced GHG emissions • Reduced risks associated to sub-optimal operation
  
  Paid
  
  SCADA: Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
  
  Stuart A. Boyer 2009
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Use of a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA)
  Description
  
  A SCADA enables the remote monitoring and control of the whole system, or parts of it, and processes information to generate alarms, reports, graphs or other outputs essential to operation and maintenance. By enabling the remote control of valves and pumps, the SCADA systems allows faster responses in emergency situations, such as fires or pipe bursts. Remote control, gathered with the system’s monitoring, can also lead to a reduction of human resources and travelling needs, especially those related to the operation of electromechanical equipment.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Proper training of staff to work and use this tool is essential Impact factors.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  - Faster responses in emergency situations, such as fires or pipe bursts. - Reduction of human resources and travelling needs, especially those related to the operation of electromechanical equipment.
  
  Paid
  
  SCADA: Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
  
  Stuart A. Boyer 2009
  
  DOWNLOAD
Pump efficiency / optimization
- Replacement of Pumps
  Description
  
  Replacement of old pumps and motors helps to increase the overall efficiency of the pumping systems. New high efficiency electrical motors and pumps is available for any type of application: from chemical pumps to big water centrifugal pumps.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  • Can potentially represent high capital costs. • Financing • Payback period. • Cost-benefit based upon capital costs, increased energy efficiency, and energy savings. • Master planning. • Potential future changes to the system that can affect pumping requirements and performance.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  • Increase the overall efficiency of the pumping systems. • Reduce energy consumption and costs. • Reduce GHG emissions.
  
  LiteratureOpen source
  
  MONTEIRO, M.A.G.; MONACHESI, M.G. Eficiência energética em sistemas de bombeamento. Rio de Janeiro, Eletrobras; Procel, 2005....
  
  2014
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Evaluation of the pump impeller degradation
  Description
  
  An optimal control of the state of the mobile parts inside the pump as impeller can prevent some breakdowns in the pumps, and also a good maintenance of these parts keep the pumping efficiency in high levels.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  • Can help maintain best efficiency points and optimal pump performance. • Can help minimize energy consumption and costs.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  N/A
  
  LiteratureOpen source
  
  Pump cavitation various npshr criteria, nphsa, margins, and impeller life expectancy
  
  Bruno Schiavello, Frank C. Visser 2009
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Control pumping rate
  Description
  
  Based upon the system head conditions, pumps may be able to pump at higher rates than needed when operating at 100% motor speed. This flow rate can be controlled by one of two ways, throttling the pump with a valve if the pump is a constant speed pump, or changing the motor speed with a variable speed drive. The former is only energy efficient if the higher flow operating point of the pump without throttling is to the right of the best efficiency point on the pump performance curve, and the throttling results in reducing the flow to a point closer to the best efficiency point on the pump curve. Otherwise, throttling the pump can result in using more energy than at the higher flow, as well as wasting energy because you end up using more energy than is needed. When the demand on the system fluctuates significantly, the pumping rate can be controlled automatically by varying the speed of the motor with a variable frequency drive (VFD), such that the pump output matches only what is needed to meet demands or the intended pumping conditions. The pump’s flow rate then increases or decreases based upon the affinity laws and the controlled speed of the motor. This way lower pumping rates can be achieved, which may result in lower efficiency than those at full motor speed; however, the energy consumption is still lower because the energy requirements to pump lower flows at lower heads are lower.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  • Pump performance curves and best efficiency point in relation to controlled flow rate • Motor types for installing VFDs - only certain motors can be used as variable speed • Costs of VFDs and new motors if necessary can be high • Financing • Cost-benefit based upon capital costs, increased energy efficiency, and energy savings
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  • Less energy consumption • Lower energy costs • Reduced GHG emissions • Better control of pumping
  
  Open source
  
  Comparison of 4 Different Flow Control Methods Of Pumps
  
  Edvard Csanyi 2015
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Automatic pump controller
  Description
  
  Automatic Pump Controllers make it possible to operate a rainwater system without a large pressure tank, pressure switch, and float switch. In the simplest design, the bottom inlet connects to the pump, the top outlet connects to the plumbing system, and the pump is plugged into the controller which is in turn plugged into to an electrical receptacle. When a faucet is opened, the controller senses the drop in line pressure and instantly turns on the pump to re-pressurize the line. If no water is available, the controller shuts down the pump to prevent dry-run damage.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  N/A
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Simplest design. Save money and energy avoiding the necessity of more complex infrastructure.
  
  Open source
  
  Comparison of 4 Different Flow Control Methods Of Pumps
  
  Edvard Csanyi 2015
  
  DOWNLOAD
- SCADA System to control pump operation
  Description
  
  Use of supervisory, control, and data acquisition (SCADA) system for monitoring, supervision and controlling of pumping systems can help minimize energy consumption of GHG emissions. It includes measurements in real time of water levels, pressures, flows, energy consumption and other operational parameters. It also helps to adjust and control the pump station operation, contributing to fight water losses or infiltrations, reduce pumping during energy peak hours and adjust pumping volumes to the needs of the system. The SCADA systems provide utility managers with access to real-time operating data and can help offset the higher operating costs by minimizing unplanned downtime and improving maintenance plans. The SCADA system can also be used to optimize pumping in real-time through advanced pump optimization software and control, or through either a model-based or knowledge-based optimization that is implemented via a rule-based system programmed into the SCADA system. This type of optimization entails the use of algorithms to determine the best pumping scheme for a given situation. This can incorporate the peak energy times previously referenced, but also a prioritization of which pumps or pumping stations are used to maximize efficiency whenever possible. For example, if only a certain volume is demanded, then the SCADA system will first operate the most efficient pumps or pumping stations to meet the demand until greater capacity or more pumps are needed.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  • The initial installation costs can be high • Operational benefits other than energy efficiency are high • Cost-benefit based upon listed benefits
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  • Lower energy consumption and costs • Greater operational reliability and flexibility • Facilitates assessing system performance and reporting • Improved asset management • Reduced GHG emissions • Reduced risks associated to sub-optimal operation
  
  Open source
  
  Comparison of 4 Different Flow Control Methods Of Pumps
  
  Edvard Csanyi 2015
  
  DOWNLOAD
  
  Paid
  
  SCADA: Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
  
  Stuart A. Boyer 2009
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Use of a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA)
  Description
  
  A SCADA enables the remote monitoring and control of the whole system, or parts of it, and processes information to generate alarms, reports, graphs or other outputs essential to operation and maintenance. By enabling the remote control of valves and pumps, the SCADA systems allows faster responses in emergency situations, such as fires or pipe bursts. Remote control, gathered with the system’s monitoring, can also lead to a reduction of human resources and travelling needs, especially those related to the operation of electromechanical equipment.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Proper training of staff to work and use this tool is essential.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  - Faster responses in emergency situations, such as fires or pipe bursts. - Reduction of human resources and travelling needs, especially those related to the operation of electromechanical equipment.
  
  Paid
  
  SCADA: Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
  
  Stuart A. Boyer 2009
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Variable speed drives for pump speed control and adjustment of pumping head and flow
  Description
  
  Variable speed drives (frequency inverters) to control pumps/ electrical motors speed, allow adjusting the pumping flow and head to the demand treatment and/ or consumption. It makes it possible to adjust the flow depending on the demand hour/ day/ month/ season. Reducing pump/ electric motor speed to operate the pump at its maximum efficiency point results in reducing energy consumption per m3 pumped.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  An automation system is needed for operation. Cost is typically justified for motor powers above 10-15 KW"
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Lower energy costs, Higher operational flexibility.
  
  Paid
  
  A visual tool to calculate optimal control strategy for non-identical pumps working in parallel, taking motor...
  
  Markus I. Sunela and Raido Puust 2015
  
  DOWNLOAD
  
  GuidelinesOpen source
  
  Energy efficiency: benefits of variable speed control in pumps, fans and compressors
  
  Schneider Electric Industries SAS 2008
  
  DOWNLOAD
  
  GuidelinesOpen source
  
  Variable speed pumping: A guide to successful applications.
  
  U.S. Department of Energy 2004
  
  DOWNLOAD
  
  GuidelinesOpen source
  
  Variable Speed Drive (VSD) for Irrigation Pumping
  
  United States Department of Agriculture 2010
  
  DOWNLOAD
  
  Open source
  
  Comparison of 4 Different Flow Control Methods Of Pumps
  
  Edvard Csanyi 2015
  
  DOWNLOAD
Rehabilitation of groundwater wells
- Brushing of well interior
  Description
  
  Mechanical cleaning of the well inside by brushing is one of the simplest method. Often this method is also simply referred to as well cleaning.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  The effectivity of these mechanical rehabilitation is limited to the inside of the well. Other colmatation zones, i.e. the well gravel bed or the adjacent aquifer are not reached. Therefore the positive effect on well efficiency is only short lived.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Lower energy costs to abstract same amounts of water Increases the pump life, by reducing the pumping head required.
  
  GuidelinesLiteraturePaid
  
  Water Well Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
  
  Houben & Treskatis 2007
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Chemical water well rehabilitation
  Description
  
  Chemical rehabilitation of wells includes the introduction of chemical agents into the well and generally also extensive short circuit-pumping. The chemicals may take effect at the well itself and the adjacent gravel bed.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Chemical agents introduced into the well can pollute the aquifer and may be a risk for safe drinking water. Chemicals may attack the well material itself especially if the protective layers of the materials are damaged. Large amounts of water is needed to be abstracted in order to fully remove the introduced chemicals. The time the well is out of service can be long.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Lower energy costs to abstract same amounts of water Increases the life of the well and Increases the pump life, by reducing the pumping head required. Recover lost water quality (aesthetics).
  
  GuidelinesLiteraturePaid
  
  Water Well Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
  
  Houben & Treskatis 2007
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Hydraulic water well rehabilitation
  Description
  
  Hydraulic methods include short-circuit-pumping, jetting among others. The take effect at the well itself and can take effect also in the adjacent gravel bed.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Hydraulic methods may cause suffusions and subsiding and thereby reduce the well efficiency due to a decrease the permeability.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  The rehabilitation of existing wells is generally more feasible than reconstruction or abandonment and construction of new wells at other locations. One of the biggest benefits is lower energy costs, increases the life of the well and increases the pump life. Well rehabilitation can restore lost water quality and improve water aesthetics.
  
  GuidelinesLiteraturePaid
  
  Water Well Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
  
  Houben & Treskatis 2007
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Impulse water well rehabilitation
  Description
  
  The efficiency of groundwater wells decreases over time due to mechanical, chemical and biological processes at the well and the adjacent aquifer that lead to formation of incrustations, clogging, corrosion and biofouling among others. The rehabilitation of existing wells is generally more feasible than reconstruction or abandonment and construction of new wells at other locations.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Impulse methods may cause damage to the well if the intensity is too high. They may also lead to suffusion and subsiding and thereby reduce the well efficiency due to a decrease in the permeability.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Lower energy costs to abstract same amounts of water Increases the life of the well Increases the pump life, by reducing the pumping head required. Recover lost water quality (aesthetics).
Renewable energy / energy recovery in water abstraction
- Use of solar and wind energy
  Description
  
  Use of solar panel and wind turbines to power pumps and other equipment.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Technology details, sun direction / angle of panels, wind speeds and patterns, installation costs and financing models (i.e. loans, ESCO, power purchase agreements, etc.).
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Can significantly reduce grid energy consumption and related GHG emissions.
- Use of modern water wheels to produce electrical energy
  Description
  
  Modern water wheels can produce energy even at low water flow rates. Water abstraction devices exist where a water wheel provides the energy to a pump so that water can be pumped with no electrical energy demand.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Common head differences for overshot water wheels are 2.9 - 6.0 m and flows of 0.1 - 1.2 m³/s, undershot water wheels have head differences of 1.2 to 2.3 m and flow rates up to 3 m³/s.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
Water loss reduction (abs)
- Active leakage control
  Description
  
  Monitoring of water tank’s water levels coupled with steptesting (closing of valves) enabling easier location of leaks. Since any small leak that goes undetected is a potential future large-scale burst, this action ensures, indirectly, a reduction of the amount of water lost. The monitoring can be facilitated by a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA).
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Proper training of staff to work and use this tool is essential Impact factors.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Reduction of the amount of water lost.
  
  Case studiesOpen source
  
  Water loss management: A case study in Korea. Water Practice & Technology
  
  J. Y. Mun, D. G. Kim, B. J. Kang, Y. H. Park, and H. W. 2008
  
  DOWNLOAD
- Proactive Infrastructure Asset Management
  Description
  
  The timely rehabilitation/substitution replacement of pipes and service connections enables the reduction of minimizes the number of unplanned repairs and water loss in the water abstraction system; hence, its energy and GHG emissions. An Proactive Infrastructure Asset Management aims at this.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Management has to be proactive and not focus on short-term strategies that lead to lower levels of service in the future and higher costs for the user. In addition to risk of pipe failure, the cost-benefit of rehabilitating/replacing pipe versus anticipated savings in energy and reduction in GHG emissions from water loss reduction should be considered.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
- Use of a Project Information Management System (PIMS) with a SCADA system to integrated IT solutions
  Description
  
  A Project Information Management System (PIMS) can provide direct access of any available information from SCADA systems and other IT solutions (such as maintenance systems, commercial systems, water loss control systems, GIS, etc.). The information is visible for any authorized user as raw data or as treated data, depending on user need. It can generate tables, graphics, alarms and reports, translating the data base into useful information for managers and supervisors through a web platform, helping them to analyse and improve continuously the water system performance.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Proper training of staff to work and use this tool is essential.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  N/A
- Use of a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA)
  Description
  
  A SCADA enables the remote monitoring and control of the whole system, or parts of it, and processes information to generate alarms, reports, graphs or other outputs essential to operation and maintenance. By enabling the remote control of valves and pumps, the SCADA systems allows faster responses in emergency situations, such as fires or pipe bursts. Remote control, gathered with the system’s monitoring, can also lead to a reduction of human resources and travelling needs, especially those related to the operation of electromechanical equipment.
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Proper training of staff to work and use this tool is essential.
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  - Faster responses in emergency situations, such as fires or pipe bursts. - Reduction of human resources and traveling needs, especially those related to the operation of electromechanical equipment.
- Water-loss reduction
  Description
  
  On this website you will find background information, know-how and best practices on the reduction of water loss from supply networks. We also provide downloadable guidelines for the sustainable planning and implementation of water loss reduction projects and also offer several training modules. http://www.waterlossreduction.com/index.php/en/
  
  Points to Consider
  
  Water loss
  Impact Factors
  
  GHG Emissions
  
  Energy Footprint
  
  Water Footprint
  
  Cost Benefit
  Benefits
  
  Reduction water losses, guidelines, courses etc.
  
  GuidelinesOpen source
  
  Strategic alliance for water loss reduction
  
  2016
  
  DOWNLOAD

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