Water Management
Using Water Resources Mindfully and Responsibly
We understand that water is a fundamental, shared resource. CenterPoint Energy employs industry best practices for conserving and managing our water supply. We continually evaluate and monitor our systems and processes so that the water we return to local waterways is safe and meets the discharge limits contained in our Clean Water Act permits.
CenterPoint Energy recognizes water-related issues are a growing global concern, and we are committed to using water in a responsible manner and minimizing impact on local water supplies.
For CenterPoint Energy’s electric utility operations in Indiana, water is withdrawn from the Ohio River and groundwater sources to support power plant operations of the company in a water-rich region in Indiana. The water withdrawn is used primarily as non-contact cooling water and potable use, while recirculated water is used for ash transport and process water in the scrubbers. Water is discharged following any treatment that is necessary to meet regulatory requirements and minimize impact. Most contact storm water is routed through the plants and receives treatment prior to discharge. Treatment can include an oily water separator, settling ponds and a physical-chemical treatment system that is optimized for mercury removal.
At the A.B. Brown facility, additional treatment takes place to remove copper from the circulating water blowdown that is sent for discharge. Discharge water is monitored regularly, as required by National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits. If water impact is detected through the monitoring data or visual inspections, the facility works with appropriate parties and facility representatives to determine the cause and implement appropriate corrective and preventive measures as expeditiously as possible. CenterPoint Energy is committed to complying with environmental laws and regulations and works with regulatory agencies as part of our overall compliance efforts.
At the A.B. Brown facility, water withdrawal is calculated using circulating water flows, outside temperature, percentage of evaporation loss, cooling tower cycles and generating hours. At the F.B. Culley facility, water withdrawal is calculated using circulating temperature and flow data.
As CenterPoint Energy’s electric generation portfolio transitions over the next few years with coal-fired generation retiring and the addition of solar, our water withdrawal and consumption is expected to decrease.
| Water | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Withdrawal | |||
| Total Water Withdrawal (Millions of Gallons/Year) | 86,966 | 62,464 | 51,814 |
| Water Withdrawal by Source Breakdown | |||
| Surface Water Withdrawal (Millions of Gallons/Year) | 86,420 | 61,958 | 51,363 |
| Groundwater (Millions of Gallons/Year) | 546 | 506 | 451 |
| Water Discharge (Non-consumptive) | |||
| Total Water Discharge (Millions of Gallons/Year) | 84,575 | 60,154 | 48,074 |
| Water Withdrawal Consumption | |||
| Total Water Consumption (Millions of Gallons/Year) | 2,391 | 2,311 | 3,740 |
| Water Withdrawals – Consumptive and Non-consumptive Rate | |||
| Consumptive Rate (Millions of Gallons/Net MWh) | 0.000451 | 0.000499 | 0.000934 |
| Non-consumptive Rate (Millions of Gallons/Net MWh) | 0.016 | 0.013 | 0.012 |
