Impacts of urban water conservation strategies on energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and health: Southern California as a case study

S. Sokolow, H. Godwin and B.L. Cole

American Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 106, issue 5, 941-948

Abstract: Objectives. To determine how urban water conservation strategies in California cities can affect water and energy conservation efforts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit public health. Methods.We expanded upon our 2014 health impact assessment of California's urban water conservation strategies by comparing the status quo to 2 options with the greatest potential impact on the interrelated issues of water and energy in California: (1) banning landscape irrigation and (2) expanding alternative water sources (e.g., desalination, recycled water). Results. Among the water conservation strategies evaluated, expanded use of recycled water stood out as the water conservation strategy with potential to reduce water use, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions, with relatively small negative impacts for the public's health. Conclusions. Although the suitability of recycled water for urban uses depends on local climate, geography, current infrastructure, and finances, analyses similar to that presented here can help guide water policy decisions in cities across the globe facing challenges of supplying clean, sustainable water to urban populations.

Keywords: California; city; energy conservation; environmental protection; greenhouse effect; health impact assessment; health status; human; power supply; statistics and numerical data; water supply, California; Cities; Conservation of Energy Resources; Conservation of Natural Resources; Electric Power Supplies; Greenhouse Effect; Health Impact Assessment; Health Status; Humans; Water Supply (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2016.303053_5

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303053

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