Why do electric companies need water?

by The Brazos River Authority

Water is an essential part of the electrical generating process at steam-electric power plants. The plants generate heat, either through the burning of fossil fuels, or in the case of a nuclear plant, through a nuclear reaction. Water is pumped into the area and turned to steam by the heat. That steam builds pressure, which turns the turbines that generate electricity.  After passing through the turbines, the spent steam must be cooled to remove the remaining heat from the process.  Water from the Brazos River is used to help generate electricity at a variety of power plants throughout the basin.

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What is a hydroelectric plant?

by The Brazos River Authority

A hydroelectric plant uses energy provided by the weight of water to rotate turbines that generate electricity.  Considered renewable energy, hydroelectric plants are located at dams and utilize water stored in the reservoir.  Once the stored water is passed through the turbines to generate electricity, it is allowed to continue downstream. 

 

 

 

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About us

The Brazos River Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 as the first state agency in the country with the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin. Today, the Authority develops and distributes water supplies, provides water and wastewater treatment, monitors water quality, and pursues water conservation through public education programs. Although the Authority is an agency of the state, it does not levy or collect taxes and is entirely self-supporting.

 

The information provided on this site is intended as background on water within the Brazos River basin. There should be no expectation that this information is all encompassing, complete or in any way examines every aspect of this very complex natural resource. 

 

We invite you to post comments and expect they will be made in good taste. The Authority reserves the right to reject or remove any comment that is not constructive in the education of the general public on issues regarding water in the Brazos basin.