Cambridge Water Department Water > Energy Reduction & Renewable Energy Energy Reduction & Renewable Energy The Cambridge Water Department (CWD) is routinely implementing new ways to minimize our footprint and increase energy efficiency while providing the highest quality drinking water. Acting as a good environmental steward, we are constantly optimizing the sustainability of our operations to save customers money. In 2008 CWD updated the HVAC building control system. In addition, the department implemented night time temperature set back along with holiday schedules. The projected energy savings for this project is 39124 kWh per year. Also, in 2008, CWD upgraded the process area lighting to high efficiency T8 fluorescent light fixtures. During the upgrade, the department also in stalled motion/daylight sensors throughout the process area and office area. Projected energy savings was 473706 kWh per year. In 2013 the boilers were upgraded. The new high efficiency condensing boilers were projected to save 15600 therms per year. The fluorescent office lighting was replaced with LED lighting in 2014. The projected energy savings was 58,546 kWh per year. In 2015 Variable frequency drives were installed on HVAC chilled water and hot water recirculation pumps. A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage supplied to the electric motor, allowing for increased efficiency. CWD installed photovoltaic solar panels in 2016. There are 561 panels that can produce 305 Watts each, for a total of 171 kWDC. The projected savings was 207,000 kWh per year. In 2018 variable frequency drives were installed on the raw water pumps. Variable Frequency Drives allows the department to control the speed of a motor. This allows the department to run multiple water pumps at reduced speed, but with an increased energy efficiency. The projected energy savings was 1 million kWh per year. In addition to the projects for energy efficiency, the department has implemented operational efficiencies. During peak day time hours, the water treatment plant is run at a lower capacity, to reduce energy consumption. In contrast, during off peak hours, the treatment plan runs at full capacity. CWD also reduces energy consumption on high demand or peak energy days, by shutting the water treatment plant down. This reduces the load on the electric grid, and reduces the possibility of black outs. Energy Reduction & Renewable Energy HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? Information for: Select a topic Permits Water Main Leak Repair History Fluoride in Cambridge Drinking Water Water Testing What is Water Hardness Water Quality report Water Supply Fresh Pond Reservation Water Bill Information Emergencies I'd like to: Select one Pay My Water Bill Tour Opportunities Water Service Issues Fresh Pond Reservation Apply for a Permit Get a Permit for Fresh Pond Test My Water Where Does Our Drinking Water Come From? Water Dept. Divisions: Select one Administration Division Distribution Engineering Water Operations Division Water Board Watershed SAM CORDA MANAGING DIRECTOR Cambridge Water Department 250 Fresh Pond Parkway Cambridge MA 02138 Phone: 617-349-4770 Fax: 617-349-4796 Contact Us Hours Monday: 8:30am-8pm Tuesday-Thursday: 8:30am-5pm Friday: 8:30am-12pm Email: CWD@cambridgema.gov Cambridge DHSP on Facebook Cambridge Center for Families on Twitter Download Forms Fresh Pond Reservation Use Permit Tour Request Senior Discount Program Additional Forms and Documents FAQs Drinking Water Quality Fresh Pond Reservation Water Bill Water Service Issues or Emergencies Watershed Programs High Reads Leaks and Meter Replacement Source Water Protection Volunteer at Fresh Pond Water Resource Monitoring Water Department Divisions Administration Distribution Engineering Treatment and Operations Water Board Watershed Management Water Quality Reports 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 to 2003 © 2021 City of Cambridge, MA Contact Us Disclaimer Privacy Policy Site Map SERVICES ENERGY REDUCTION & RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTSFRESH POND RESERVATIONPROGRAMSWATER BILL INFOPERMITSWATER BOARDABOUT US Calendar Contact Us News Site Map Cambridge Home Page Text Size: A A A Search