Microsoft and Ecolab Water Risk Monetizer Case Study (2017)

Primary Functions

• Learn more about how Microsoft used the Water Risk Monetizer tool to implement a site-specific water efficiency and quality plan that helped reduce overall operating costs and water usage through a partnership with Ecolab.

Detailed Description

Leveraging Ecolab’s Water Risk Monetizer tool, Microsoft was able to model the full value of water to its business and use risk-adjusted prices to reinforce the business case for water stewardship. The Water Risk Monetizer output showed that the risk-adjusted water bill, representing the full value of water to Microsoft’s operations, is more than 11 times greater than the current water bill presented by the San Antonio Water System. The Water Risk Monetizer outputs helped drive water resiliency at the local level and make the business case for Ecolab technologies to manage and value risk through water recycling and reuse projects. Microsoft was able to save more than $140,000 in water costs per year, while also avoiding 58.3 million gallons of potable water use per year.

Ecolab understands that cooling water systems in data centers have a critical role in ensuring reliable uninterrupted operations. Given the current water quality and quantity constraints at Microsoft’s data center, the on-site Ecolab engineer recommended a smart technology called 3D TRASAR technology. By utilizing real-time monitoring and 24/7 information management to detect problems before they occur and then determine the appropriate response delivered water, energy, and cost savings.