Energy Efficiency Basics for Water & Wastewater Operations

A practical introduction to energy use in water and wastewater facilities. The course explains where utilities commonly use energy, why pumping and aeration are major energy users, the difference between energy and demand, how operators can identify avoidable energy waste without compromising treatment, and how basic trend information can support energy-management decisions.

What you’ll learn

• Identify major energy-consuming systems commonly found at water and wastewater utilities.
• Explain how pumps, blowers, flow, pressure, and equipment condition can affect energy use.
• Distinguish energy consumption from electrical demand at a practical level.
• Recognize operational trends that may indicate avoidable energy use or equipment deterioration.
• Apply basic energy-efficiency practices without compromising treatment, water quality, safety, or permit compliance.

Course outline

1. Course Orientation
2. Section 1 — Where Utilities Use Energy
3. Knowledge Check 1
4. Section 2 — Pumps, Blowers, and Operating Point
5. Knowledge Check 2
6. Section 3 — Energy, Demand, and Trends
7. Knowledge Check 3
8. Section 4 — Operator Actions and Energy Management
9. Practical Scenario
10. Final assessment

Who this course is for

North Carolina drinking-water and wastewater operators.

Prerequisites: None