Abstract

Drinking water and wastewater services are vulnerable to disruptions because they rely heavily on the electric grid. As a result, power outages can lead to water outages, creating cascading failures that compromise sanitation, firefighting, healthcare, and daily routines. Although an important topic, there are little to no studies of water and wastewater power resilience at a geographic or state level. In this study we investigate the extent of existing backup power and renewable energy integration as well as the motivations and barriers around their power resilience. We collect our data through semi-structured interviews with staff at 19 urban and rural water and wastewater facilities throughout Utah, USA. We discover that all facilities experience power outages, 89% of them have backup power, and 69% of backup systems are very effective. We also find that 19% of facilities have functioning renewable energy technologies while 30% have failed renewables. This contradicts feasibility studies, indicating weaknesses after installation. In addition, 96% of organizations have explored renewables, 7% plan to install more renewables, and 30% plan to procure more backup power. The primary motivations for power resilience are providing uninterrupted service and saving money. The primary barriers are financial and operational difficulties associated with the technologies. We recommend that water and wastewater facilities ensure continuity of backup power, more carefully select renewables, and seek funding to support power resilience.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2025-12-11

Document Type

Thesis

Keywords

power resilience, renewable energy, hydropower, solar, cogeneration, backup power, drinking water, wastewater

Language

english

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Engineering Commons

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