Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

IRWD Moves Forward to Become More Energy Efficient

Irvine Ranch Water District is embarking on a project to become more energy efficient and to reduce its carbon footprint. It takes a significant amount of energy to treat and deliver water, so becoming more energy efficient will ultimately result in IRWD continuing to keep customer water rates low.

“IRWD is not a large contributor to green house gases, but we have identified strategies and developed a plan to make District-wide energy efficiency improvements, reduce green house gas emissions and invest in cost effective renewable energy programs,” said Paul Weghorst, Principal Water Resources Manager for IRWD.

Over the years, IRWD has been a leader in implementing energy efficient programs by developing local water supply projects, promoting use of recycled water, encouraging water conservation and water-use efficiency, installing solar panels on the roof of the IRWD Sand Canyon office building in Irvine, replacing equipment with high efficiency motors and placing efficient lights and motion sensors in offices.

By developing an Energy and Greenhouse Gas Master Plan, IRWD is taking an additional proactive stance in preparing to respond to regulatory requirements such as the California Global Warming and Solutions Act of 2006.  This legislation set a target to significantly reduce green house gas emissions statewide by 2020.

For more information about IRWD environmental programs, please visit our website at www.irwd.com.