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Energy-Water Nexus

The relationship between how much energy it takes to collect, clean, move, store, heat, and dispose of water and how much water is used to generate and transmit energy, is known as the energy and water nexus.

What is the energy and water nexus?

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https://youtu.be/pCOaU-JPfyE

Video 1: Comprehension

Energy-Water Nexus

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Video 1: Question Set

  1. Is all water created equal? Why or why not?
  2. What kinds of things affect the amount of energy used for water?
  3. What are the opportunities in recognizing the relationship between energy and water?

Energy-Water Nexus

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https://hydroviz.org/lessons/index/national/nexus

Interactive Website: Hydroviz

Energy-Water Nexus

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Hydroviz: Activity 1

Explore the layers in the bottom right corner.

Energy-Water Nexus

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Hydroviz: Activity 1

What do you notice about:

  1. Rivers
  2. Major basins
  3. Streams
  4. Power plants?

Energy-Water Nexus

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Hydroviz: Activity 1

What does this mean for potential challenges and opportunities for your geographic area?

Energy-Water Nexus

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Hydroviz: Activity 1

How does our geographic area compare with other areas?

Energy-Water Nexus

Colorado

Our Region

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Hydroviz: Activity 2

On the left side of the page, click “Introduction to Energy-Water Nexus.” Click figure 1 on the right – “Hybrid Sanky Diagram.”

Energy-Water Nexus

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Hydroviz: Activity 2

  1. What are the largest sources of water?
  2. Where do you see water flowing the most?

Energy-Water Nexus

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Hydroviz: Activity 2

  1. What are the largest sources of energy?
  2. What is using the most energy?

Energy-Water Nexus

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Identify the synonyms for �nexus.

Relationship

Association

Link

Unique

Independent

Energy-Water Nexus

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Give an example of how water is used for energy:

Examples include:

  1. Generating energy
    1. Steam powers turbines at coal, nuclear, natural gas and biomass power plants.
    2. Water generates electricity at hydro plants.
  2. Water can push fossil fuels to Earth’s surface.

Energy-Water Nexus

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Give an example of how energy is used for water:

Energy-Water Nexus

Examples include:

  1. Energy is used at water treatment plants to clean water so it is safe.
  2. Energy heats water to make it comfortable for our use.
  3. Energy is used to aid in the transportation of water from the source to our homes.

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Can you think of an appliance in your home that uses water and energy to accomplish a task?

Energy-Water Nexus

Examples include:

  1. Water Heater
  2. Dishwasher
  3. Washing Machine
  4. Ice Maker
  5. Coffee Maker

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Student Activity

Open your workbook to page 10 and follow your teacher’s instructions.

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Student Assessment

Open your student workbook to page 11 and complete�the assessment.

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Question 1

In your own words, describe the energy and water nexus.

The energy and water nexus is the relationship between how much water is used to generate and transmit energy, and how much energy it takes to collect, clean, move, store, heat and dispose of water.

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Question 2

List different ways that water requires energy.

  1. Energy helps to clean water so that it is safe.
  2. Energy is used to heat water.
  3. Energy is used to transport water.

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Question 3

List different ways that energy requires water.

  1. Water is converted to steam to power turbines that generate electricity.
  2. Water is used to cool power plants.
  3. Water can push fossil fuels to the surface.

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Question 4

What are some challenges related to the interdependency of water and energy?

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Question 5

What are some opportunities related to the interdependency of water and energy?