Water and Watts

This fact sheet from the World Resources Institute, based on a 2009 issue brief, examines the interdependence of energy and water resources in South Carolina, highlighting the high water demand of thermoelectric power and the energy costs associated with water treatment and heating.

• In South Carolina, thermoelectric power plants account for 80% of freshwater withdrawals, consuming approximately 6 gallons for every kWh of electricity produced.
• Water-related activities represent a significant portion of energy expenditures, with water heating comprising roughly 25% of residential energy bills and water/wastewater treatment accounting for about 30% of municipal energy costs.
• The adoption of high-efficiency WaterSense® labeled toilets and faucets by 10% of South Carolina homes would result in $11 million in water bill savings and $4 million in energy bill savings.

APA

World Resources Institute (2009). Water and Watts. https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/pdf/southeast_water_and_watts_sc.pdf

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Water and Watts. 2009. https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/pdf/southeast_water_and_watts_sc.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Water and Watts |date=April 2009 |url=https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/pdf/southeast_water_and_watts_sc.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitute2009water, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Water and Watts}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, year = {2009}, month = apr, url = {https://wriorg.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/pdf/southeast_water_and_watts_sc.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }