Solar Energy and Other Appropriate Technologies for Small Potable Water Systems in Puerto Rico
Citation:
Patterson, C., G. Ramirez-Toro, C. Maldonado, H. Minnigh, R. Sinha, AND E. Krishnan. Solar Energy and Other Appropriate Technologies for Small Potable Water Systems in Puerto Rico. To be Presented at 12th CECIA-IAUPR Biennial Symposium on Potable Water Issues in Puerto Rico, Bayamon, Puerto Rico, February 16 - 17, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
In Puerto Rico, petroleum (65%), natural gas (18%) and coal (16%) are imported to generate electricity resulting in electrical rates that are more than twice the US average. In 2012, only 1% of electricity came from renewable energy (US Energy Information Administration). One major cost for electricity for small communities in Puerto Rico is the transfer, treatment and distribution of drinking water. These small communities (Non-PRASA communities) are not able to afford electrical costs and many have abandoned their groundwater sources and reverted to unfiltered surface water systems, creating serious public health risks and non-compliance. Many Non-PRASA groundwater systems (141 out of 247) could use solar-powered pumps to extract and deliver groundwater. Solar power would also extend the life of system electrical components by improving the quality of electrical power supply. Solar power as a renewable energy source for Non-PRASA water systems is a viable approach that also reduces the impact of climate change in the Caribbean.
Description:
This Region 2 research demonstration project presentation studied the efficacy of sustainable solar-powered water delivery and monitoring systems to reduce the economic burden of operating and maintaining Non-PRASA drinking water systems and to reduce the impact of climate change resulting from the use of fossil fuels in Puerto Rico.