Sustainable energy sources needed for local wastewater and water
May 07, 2011 | 08:41 AM

Jason King was quoted as "What I'm doing may cost more in the beginning, but in the end you're saving money and doing the environment a great service." This holds true for our local governments as well. The largest item in the Maui Couny Budget is the electric bill for water and wastewater collection, treatment and distribution systems. People keep saying we can't afford wastewater treatment and reuse. The truth is, it is oil-based energy we cannot afford. We can't afford NOT to treat our wastewater. Our lives and livlihoods depend on a clean healthy environment It may cost a little more up front to invest in wastewater treatment, stormwater management and water reuse infrastructure, but we save money in the long run by not despoiling the environment and avoiding spending time in court arguing over environmental damages and the cost of restoration. The fortune 500 companies like General Electric and BASF firgured it out after they were mandated to comply with Clean Water Act. Not only could they save money and energy by treating waste properly, they established new business lines and sold the environmental protection technologies they developed to others.


Robin Knox
Kihei, HI