Specific Connection in Energy-Water Nexus

Because a city, on a warm summer day, can be 6º to 8°F warmer than its surrounding areas, scientists sometimes refer to cities as urban heat islands. The physics behind urban heat islands is simply that dark or black materials used on roofs and road surfaces absorb more sunlight than do light-toned surfaces. The temperatures of roofs and road surfaces can be as much as 70°F higher than the air temperature. These hot surfaces then heat the surrounding air.

The higher temperatures found in a city increase the demand for electricity (for air conditioning), the demand for water (for lawns and pools), and smog.