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The Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) and Des Moines Water Works have committed to participate in the Superior Energy Performance (SEP) program as the first members of a new program pilot. SEP recognizes facilities that meet the ISO 50001 global energy management standard and demonstrate improved energy performance. A third-party verifies the achievements. AMO's objective is to have the pilot eventually involve a cohort of municipalities involved in training and SEP certification. When successful, the two Iowa organizations, which serve approximately 500,000 people, will be the first in the water and wastewater sector to achieve SEP certification.

Water and wastewater operations are very energy-intensive, so improving energy efficiency is an opportunity for operators to reduce expenses. "There are in excess of 75,000 water and wastewater systems in the United States, estimated to consume well over 150 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) a year, approximately 5% of the total electricity consumed. It is simply no longer an option to address water/wastewater energy efficiency, it is a mandate," observed William Stowe, Des Moines Water Works CEO and General Manager. "The SEP program will provide independent verification of energy savings attained that many water and wastewater operations and financial executives value in pursuing continuing energy and process improvements," added Des Moines WRA Risk & Reliability Manager Bill Miller. The Iowa Economic Development Authority is already working with both organizations to replicate water and wastewater energy efficiency best practices throughout the state. For more information, contact Paul Scheihing.

This article originally appeared in the September 2014 Advanced Manufacturing Office Update.