The pumps and treatment processes use electricity and generate emissions in supplying potable water to the city. The less water the system collects, treats, and distributes, the less energy is used.
Like all cities that distribute water through pipes, Saskatoon’s system is prone to developing leaks from earth movement, expansion and contraction from seasonal temperature changes, and corrosion. Detecting and repairing system leaks is critical to water and energy conservation. The City is currently updating the distribution system with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems that monitor water use and help with leak detection. Decreasing water use in buildings and in exterior applications like yard maintenance also relieves potable water system demand resulting in lower energy use and fewer emissions.
The City spends around $2.4 million annually irrigating parks, this is expected to increase as the city grows and summers become longer and drier.
The AMI system is expected to be fully deployed by 2022. The improved monitoring provided can help with leak detection in municipal infrastructure and can facilitate behaviour change in municipal, residential, and commercial buildings.