Water Resources Best Management Practices

conservation submeters water projects storm water waterways watershed infrastructure

Water and Energy Projects are catalysts in generating new employment opportunities and entrepreneurial efforts in communities that are in the forefront of managing watershed and water resources issues in urban and rural settings.

Managing Water Resources

Communities are confronting new and complex challenges to achieve safe and affordable water supplies, collect and treat waste water and storm water, flood protection, rivers and streams for fishing and swimming. There are also challenges with aging infrastructure and the impact of climate change on human health and ecosystems.

Challenges that Require New Infrastructure and Approaches to Urban Water Resources

Storm Water if rain is not properly managed and flows over impervious surfaces into the nearest storm drain, it can have a detrimental effect on rivers and streams. In an urban environment, storm water is also closely related to safety, flooding, waterway health and drinking water.

Waterways urbanization is responsible for many of the sources that contribute to waterway degradation. Increases in impervious surface area and runoff have negative effects on stream flow. Once the natural physical condition of a waterway is compromised by pollution or excessive runoff, it sets off a chain of degradation: erosion, water temperature changes and habitat loss.

Watershed groups, municipalities, agencies, and conservation groups working together to develop watershed and restoration plans, implement projects and return streams to healthy thriving systems by implementing watershed assessments and planning programs, quality control plans, floodplain protection, land use management and storm water best management practices and more.

Infrastructure Requires Continuous Inspection and Maintenance

Water Conservation the true cost of water in a property should be measured as the water rate + the sewer rate multiplied by the water consumption volume + plus fees and other associated costs. In addition, while the water usage profile varies by building type and use, mechanical systems account for 30 percent of water use in a typical building, with cooling towers nearly 50 percent and outdoor usage another 20-30 percent.

Water Heating Accounts for Eight Percent of Energy Consumption in Commercial Buildings

Sub meters help identify inefficiencies and malfunctions as leaks account for six percent of water usage and older fixtures consume up to five times more water prompting installation of leak detection systems.

Innovative Solutions to Achieve Water Quality

Energy Codes Compliance

Tools to Boost Employment Reduce Pollution and Increase Energy Independence

Energy Codes are an affordable and effective mechanism for increasing the long-term efficiency of buildings. The concept entails a minimum level of cost-effective and energy-efficient technologies to reduce utility bills for consumers and businesses.

Definitions building energy codes are managed at the state and local levels and are defined as the minimum energy efficiency requirements for new or renovated buildings. Standards cover building envelope - walls, roofs, windows, lighting, water heating, and space conditioning. They are intended to ensure sound design and construction practices.

Connect with Tema for Energy Water and Waste Solutions

Tema is implementing projects in selected small towns, main streets and historic districts around the United States that focus on tourism, energy efficiency and water conservation in museums, breweries, vineyards/wineries, hotels and other accommodation venues visited by our travel clients.

Participating Local Businesses are provided with a no cost proposal to implement energy savings and water conservation measures.

No Cost Solutions for Your Small Business

Benefits building operations consume 38 percent of total U.S. energy spending. Code applications lead to energy independence and reduced emissions of harmful pollutants. 

Every Dollar Spent Yields $6 in Energy Savings

Compliance most jurisdictions lack the necessary training and enforcement resources to ensure compliance. Full compliance with energy codes would produce significant annual and cumulative energy savings. The average American household spends $2,150 each year on home energy bills. Meeting the energy standards in building codes typically cut costs by 15 percent or more.

Tasks high levels of code compliance can be achieved by:

o   maintaining existing budgets for building departments

o   supporting strict and uniform enforcement of building energy codes

o   applying training tools in building departments and by design professionals

o   communicating the value of codes and standards to the public and to local utilities.