06/17/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/17/2025 08:52
Colorado Rural Water Association Energy Efficiency Technician Kelvin (Kelly) Stone congratulated Mayor Shirley Adams and the Town Board of Manzanola on obtaining the necessary funding and completing a noteworthy Energy Efficiency project, which included installing a solar array system.
Kelly Stone (L) and Mayor Shirley Adams (R).Kelly Stone/CRWA
As a statutory township located in Otero County, Manzanola's population is approximately 341, according to the 2020 Census. The town has a water treatment plant, which is a groundwater system with booster and transfer pumping and treatment by microfiltration and disinfection.
An Energy Efficiency Assessment was conducted for the Manzanola Water System in 2021. Energy Efficiency improvements were recommended, including the purchase and installation of a variable frequency drive and a solar array system for greater efficiency and reduced energy costs.
Kelly Stone/CRWA
In 2024, Stone conducted an energy reassessment, which found that Manzanola had obtained funding and begun implementing recommendations from the initial assessment. The final meter installation and the final commissioning of the solar array were completed in December 2024.
Kelly Stone/CRWA
While significant improvements have been realized, greater benefits are expected with warmer weather. It is known that an offset to energy costs will be provided while also providing backup power. Energy Efficiency will also be improved with the implementation of the recently installed variable frequency drive motor control, along with other operations optimization efforts.
Congratulations to Manzanola, Colorado, for taking the initiative to implement Energy Technician Kelly Stone's recommendations to improve the water system's operations and lower its energy usage and costs.
NRWA's Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance Program is designed to promote energy-efficient practices in small water and wastewater systems. Funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service, the program performs energy assessments, recommends energy-efficient practices and technologies, and provides support in following recommendations. To learn more about NRWA's Energy Efficiency, please visit https://nrwa.org/energy-efficiency-program.