Water & Wastewater

Potable water

In 2017, potable water represented 8.9% of emissions from City operations. Emissions from potable water are attributed to the electricity used to pump and distribute the water.  Conserving water means there is less water to pump.

Wastewater

Emissions from the treatment of wastewater occur from the electricity used to transport water to treatment facilities and treatment operations, as well as the gases that are produced from the breakdown of organic material. Together, water pumping, distribution, and wastewater treatment account for about 1% of Northfield’s total community-wide GHG emissions and 50% of total City operations emissions.

Water Infrastructure

Water infrastructure includes drinking water, stormwater infrastructure, and wastewater treatment. Access to clean, potable water is central to the safety and vitality of Northfield residents and businesses. Water infrastructure may be susceptible to climate hazards including prolonged heatwaves, heavy precipitation, extreme weather events, and freeze/thaw cycles. Power outages caused by extreme weather can impact the functioning of wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. With increased heavy precipitation events, stormwater infrastructure may be stressed or overwhelmed, limiting its ability to effectively convey or allow water to infiltrate as designed. Further, flooding and flash flooding events can increase the likelihood of surface water contamination, reducing water quality. Power outages caused by extreme weather can impact the functionality of wastewater and drinking water infrastructure.

Water and Wastewater sections of the Climate Action Plan (PDF)

Resources

Northfield Water Division

Northfield Wastewater Division

Northfield Stormwater Division

Clean River Partners