Episode 5 - The Water-Energy Nexus

October 4, 2016, Drought Monitor

Water Withdrawals by Category, USGS

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Episode Highlights

• [2:24] Apology time - We apologize for the sound issues in last week's podcast. This week is much better so hopefully everyone stuck with us.
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• [3:28] Some housekeeping items - Huge thank you to those that have helped us get this podcast off the ground and to other organizations that have been providing us a place to share information.
  • Our summer intern, Emily Garverick (Virginia Tech student), provided excellent support in the first weeks of development.
    
    
  • Irrigation Association Communications Director Trisha Klaus designed the logos for our website and all of the podcasting applications. A big thank you to all IA communications staff as well. And finally, thank you to IA's CEO, Deborah Hamlin.
    
    
  • The Maryland Center for Environmental Training where John gave a presentation about groundwater in agriculture.
    
    
  • The Texas Agriculture Irrigation Association for hosting John last week.
    
    
  • And a final thank you to WaterSmart Innovations and the folks at the Southern Nevada Water Authority for another great conference! 
    
    
• [6:34] Discuss a few recent news items - Yes, we get political yet again. Don't worry though, only a quick conversation about some polling results and a brief discussion on the presidential debates.
  
  
  • [9:40] A recent poll by Food Minds found that  65%  of voter shoppers support bringing up food policy in debates. Note that this poll surveyed a specific subgroup of politically active voters that make food decisions.
    
    
  • [12:12] Drought update - most recent drought monitor shows continued drought as California starts its new water year.  As it enters its sixth year of drought, most of California remains in severe drought. 
    
    
    • Demand for water is down in Southern California but people should remember that the drought is still severe.
      
      
    • Drought in the East - if you look at New England on the current drought monitor, you'll see some significant drought. In response to this, a locality in New Hampshire recently passed a water ban.
      
      
• [17:47] The water-energy nexus - we've covered the water-food nexus but now it's time to add energy to the conversation.
  
  
  • It takes water to make energy and energy is embedded in water. 
    
    
  • The United Nations has a water division and pushed out an article on the nexus platform.
    
    
  • When finding solutions: must look at balancing what you get out of using energy and water. 
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  • The U.S. Geological Survey 2010 withdrawals by category - While thermometric power is the largest category,  it is important to distinguish between water consumption and water use.
    
    
  • [25:25] Our current situation: the use of potable water for uses other than drinking water and the need for infrastructure investments to end this current trend. 
    
    
  • [28:58] National Science Foundation investments - $72 million for innovations at nexus of food, energy and water systems (INFEWS).
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• Tune in next week and join us for a conversation on water rights.