• 22 March is World Water Day

ČEZ power plants in the Czech Republic consumed 399 million cubic metres of surface water in 2020.  This means a 14.5% year-on-year decrease and a saving of more than 67 million cubic meters.  This water is used in cooling operations, as technological water or for flow-through cooling.  The reduction is due to the application of saving measures and reduction of production in traditional power plants.

If the water that has been saved were to be used otherwise, we could

• Produce 4,322 kilograms of beef
• Grow coffee beans for 478,571 cups of coffee or 74,444 kilograms of corn
• Fill 60 fifty-meter swimming pools

If the water that has been saved were to “run” through the entire Moldau Cascade, in whose power plants ČEZ can convert every litre of water into 0.7 kWh emission-free power, we would generate nearly 47 million kWh and cover the annual consumption of more than 13,000 Czech households.

“Recent months were favourable in terms of precipitation, but in the long-term outlook, every litre of water that people manage to save will be important.  Water is a fundamental feedstock for power operations, which means that, for us too, searching for savings and optimisation of consumptions are an increasing challenge,” says Michaela Chaloupková, member of the Management Board of ČEZ responsible for sustainable development.

The consumption of surface water at ČEZ Group power plants has been declining for some time.  In a five-year comparison with 2015, when 532 million cubic metres of water were used in the power industry, its consumption has dropped by 25 percent.

ČEZ pays close attention to water management in other areas in which it operates, as well.  It considers the retention of water in the land to be as important as its savings.  The most recent example is the installation of infiltration basins that should help renew the groundwater level at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant in the next few years.  Intelligent methods of rainwater drainage that contribute to the retention of water in the land constitute a part of the futuristic parking places project, with roofs made of double-sided photovoltaic panels.

DID YOU KNOW THAT

• The production of one kilogram of beef requires 15,500 litres of water
• The preparation of one cup of coffee involves the consumption of 140 litres of water
• 900 litres of water are required for growing one kilogram of corn

…you too can calculate your water footprint: https://www.watercalculator.org/

…you too can save water if…

• You do not keep your water running the entire time while you shower, brush your teeth, or wash your hands;
• You set the valve at the hottest possible setting and do not run cold water off while waiting for hot water
• You do not run a half-empty washing machine or dishwasher and get a lever tap (they are up to 40% more cost-efficient) 
• You use rainwater for watering your garden, washing your car, and for washing your clothes or flushing your toilet.