Hydropower Links Water and Energy for Communities
Published · 3 min read
Hydropower is finding new ways to help both farmers and cities. By using water systems already in place, this power can provide clean energy and cut costs. Several leaders and companies are showing how this works.
Columbia Basin Hydropower: Power on the Farm
Alan Lackner leads Columbia Basin Hydropower (CBHP). CBHP runs seven energy plants built into the Columbia Basin Project canals in Washington state. These canals pump water over more than 670,000 acres for farming.
Under Mr. Lackner, these hydro sites:
- Generate clean electricity from canal flows.
- Lower energy bills for local farmers.
- Support infrastructure upgrades and canal care.
CBHP plans to expand power output and modernize its facilities soon. This helps farmers and keeps canals in good shape. It shows how water and energy can be friends, not foes.
Obermeyer Hydro: Invention from a Typo
Henry Obermeyer turned a FERC typo into a breakthrough idea. He built a pneumatically controlled spillway gate that’s safer and smarter. It adapts to water levels and boosts efficiency.
His invention now helps many hydro systems run smoothly—even when water flow varies. It makes control better and power more reliable.
InPipe Energy’s HydroXS: Power in City Pipes
InPipe Energy focuses on city water pipes—not rivers. Their product, the HydroXS, turns extra pressure into electricity using smart turbines and valves.
| Feature | Benefit |
| Bypass design | Fits on existing pipes without stopping water flow |
| Variable-speed turbine | Works well with changing pressure levels |
| Smart monitoring | Helps track energy and water health in real time |
This system saves energy, cuts emissions, and lowers utility bills. It’s a plug-in solution that doesn’t mess with daily operations.
Iris Power: Keeping Things Running
Iris Power provides tools to check and fix hydro generators. With sensors and services, they find wear and avoid breakdowns. John Letal, its general manager, says these tools help plants work better and last longer.
- Predicts faults before they happen.
- Reduces downtime for fixes.
- Extends equipment life with regular checks.
National Hydropower Association: A Voice for Change
Malcolm Woolf leads the National Hydropower Association. He works on:
- Upgrading old plants with modern tech.
- Reducing red tape for new hydro projects.
- Promoting hydro’s role in a renewable future.
Woolf reminds everyone that hydro is still the top renewable energy source in the U.S. But it needs better investment to reach its full potential.
Foundation for Water and Energy Education: Three Decades Strong
Andy Dunau is retiring after 30 years with the Foundation for Water and Energy Education (FWEE). Under his lead, FWEE became a trusted voice in the Northwest.
The foundation taught people about:
- Hydro careers and training.
- Environmental care in water projects.
- Meeting power demand with clean energy.
Mr. Dunau believes good info and shared knowledge help us plan a strong energy future.
Why Water and Hydro Work Together
All these stories share a key idea: hydropower works best when it taps into water already used for farms or cities. No new dams. No new water rights. Just smart use of what we have.
Here’s what this approach does:
- Boosts clean energy with little harm to nature.
- Saves money for farmers and towns.
- Funds improvements to canals and pipes.
- Keeps water moving while generating power.
What’s Next for Hydro?
The path forward is clear. Engineers, farmers, water experts, and city planners should team up. They can:
- Plan more hydro plants on canals and pipes.
- Invest in new tech like HydroXS and smart gates.
- Make rules simpler for small hydro projects.
- Teach communities about hydro benefits.
That way, we use water smarter, get clean power, and grow jobs and savings. Hydropower becomes part of everyday life.
Learn more at WaterStrategies.com.
