Municipal wastewater treatment plants are often the largest consumers of electricity within a municipality's operational portfolio. The estimated nationwide electricity use for the municipal wastewater industry is 30.2TWh to treat approximately 33 billion gallons of wastewater per day [1]. Energy needs are expected to grow as population grows, industrial activity increases, and water quality requirements become more stringent, driving greater demand for wastewater treatment.
This growth will also be shaped by increasing concerns over constrained resources (e.g., electricity, energy, and water) and evolving regulations. Planning and innovation in the wastewater sector are necessary to address current and future needs while simultaneously producing profitable byproducts. Additionally, energy recovery and reductions by reclaiming wasted energy or harnessing energy resources can further reduce energy consumption and demand in the wastewater sector.
[1] Electricity Use and Management in the Municipal Water Supply and Wastewater Industries
