Co-Development Opportunities Between Hydropower and Municipal Water and Wastewater Infrastructures

This white paper outlines opportunities to modernize U.S. water-energy infrastructure through co-development of hydropower with municipal water and wastewater systems. It highlights the untapped potential of integrating hydropower generation into new and existing water supply projects, as well as co-location with wastewater treatment facilities to de facto reuse energy to improve energy dominance and resilience. Key challenges include limited stakeholder awareness, undervaluation of hydropower benefits, and complex regulatory pathways. Near-term opportunities (3-5 years) include developing a national database of water supply projects, integrating water and hydropower siting and cost models, creating decision-support tools, and conducting case studies to quantify benefits. Success measures include identification of national resource potential, adoption in water planning, development of streamlined standards, and formation of collaborative networks that strengthen the energy-water nexus and enhance infrastructure resilience.