EVALUATION OF HYDRAULIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FOR ANTICIPATED URBAN EXPANSION

Abstract

The population of Madison, Wisconsin has steadily increased from approximately 175,000 residents in 1980 to approximately 275,000 as of 2024. Population growth is expected to continue and reach nearly 400,000 by 2050. Despite this growth, conservation efforts have reduced total water consumption in Madison via reductions in per capita water use from over 100 gallons per day to nearly 50 gallons per day. However, current projections by Madison Water Utility estimate that population growth will soon outpace conservation, resulting in increased total water consumption between now and 2040. This will result in an increased amount of energy needed for pumping to meet this growing water demand. MWU desires to ensure adequate water supply into the future while still meeting their and the City of Madison’s sustainability goals. To accomplish those sustainability goals, MWU has sponsored several previous energy studies, including system-wide energy management, variable frequency drives for utility pumps, off-peak pumping strategies, and the identification and reduction of water loss. This research continues this progression by investigating the energy impacts of population growth and infrastructure required to accommodate that growth. The objectives of this research were to:

1. Meet the needs of the City of Madison’s increasing population by using MWU’s system model to evaluate options that augment existing infrastructure 2. Contribute to 100% Renewable Madison by comparing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption for the infrastructure options. 3. Recommend prioritizing future projects based on their ability to meet forecasted water demand, water quality expectations, and sustainability goals.