Water and Watts: VIRGINIA

The document highlights the interdependence of water and energy in Virginia, noting that thermoelectric power plants account for 75% of the state's freshwater withdrawals. It proposes policy priorities including the prioritization of low-water energy technologies, the adoption of ENERGY STAR and WaterSense products, and the implementation of water recycling and solar water heating. It also quantifies the energy costs of water heating and treatment, suggesting that widespread adoption of high-efficiency fixtures could save millions in bills.

• Thermoelectric power plants are the primary drivers of freshwater withdrawals in Virginia, accounting for 75% of such withdrawals and consuming approximately 1 gallon for every 3 kWh produced.
• Water-related energy costs are significant, with water heating representing about 25% of home energy bills and water/wastewater treatment representing about 30% of municipal energy costs.
• Implementing high-efficiency WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets in 10% of Virginia homes would result in $19 million in water bill savings and $8 million in energy bill savings.

APA

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

Chicago

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

Wikipedia

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

BibTeX

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