How Much Carbon Does Your Water Emit?

Water Energy Program Director, Valerie Strassberg, PE

NVOC’s Water/Energy program director, Valerie Strassberg, gave the keynote address to launch the Water/Energy Summit in Santa Fe, New Mexico last week.  The summit successfully brought together agencies, organizations, and individuals to learn about the vital connection between water and energy, and how our conservation of one has a positive effect on conservation of the other.  Valerie’s presentation ‘How Much Carbon Does Your Water Emit’ focused on the importance of including water as a component in our nations’ carbon and energy reduction strategies.  She stressed that to meet future demands, ensure economic feasibility, and reduce environmental damages; we must make water part of the equation.   NVOC began exploring the link between water and energy in 2008.  We continue to develop resources, educate, and coordinate efforts between city, state, and federal government agencies, universities, businesses, industries, other nonprofit organizations. For more information on our water/energy program contact us.

Flooding Causes Water Shortages

When you hear the words “Lack of potable water” what comes to mind?  Drought?  Developing countries?  What about flooding in a major U.S. city?  This week, Nashville’s flood served as a wakeup call to the serious potable water shortages that can result from flooding. One of two water treatment plants in Nashville is currently under water; making it inoperable and reducing the amount of potable water that is available to people throughout the city. Despite city officials urging citizens to conserve water, records show that water use over the last few days, during a time of crisis, is nearly equal to that used last year, under normal conditions. Unlike food, fuel, and other supplies, Nashville cannot import water from another source to meet their needs; all they have is their local water resources. Cities throughout the world face an uncertain future as climate change progresses. However, one thing is certain; severe water events (both droughts and floods) are imminent. Each of us plays an important role in conserving our local water resources. Don’t wait for a crisis, Start Now!

Students Give Water a Voice Art Competition Winners

Every community faces water pollution issues from a multitude of sources.  This year, students from around the world gave voice to this problem through videos, posters, and poems.  See the winners below.

Videos

Posters

Poems

The winners were chosen through public on-line voting.  Winning entries (and selected finalists) will be used throughout the year in a publicity campaign aimed at increasing awareness of water pollution and ‘troubled water in communities’ throughout the world.  We thank all educators and students who put incredible thought and creativity into ‘Giving Water a Voice’.  To view all poster finalists click here.