Busting the 5 Myths of Ethanol: Myth #4

If you have fueled up your vehicle lately you have probably noticed that gas prices have gone down a little. According to AAA, gas prices have fallen by nearly 22 cents since last month, making it $3.56 for a gallon of regular gasoline.

Unfortunately, for many this is still too high and is more expensive than what drivers were paying for last year when gas was only $2.72. However, drivers who drive FFVs (Flex-Fuel Vehicles) have the option of using E85, which is currently only $3.01. That is almost half a dollar cheaper than regular gasoline. Though E85 is a much more affordable and cleaner burning fuel compared to gasoline, there are still many misconceptions about the fuel.


One of the misconceptions about ethanol is how it is produced.

Some groups believe ethanol uses too much water, therefore not making it a viable alternative compared to gasoline.

This takes us to today’s myth, which is ethanol requires too much water to produce. This myth is FALSE and ethanol actually requires less water to produce than it did a few years ago.

Today, producing one gallon of ethanol only takes 2.7 gallons of water, which is slightly less than the amount of water that is used to produce a gallon of gasoline. Most of the criticism about ethanol’s consumption of water comes from the need of irrigating feedstock crops in drier climates. Still, many don’t realize that the majority of ethanol produced in the Midwest comes from rain-fed crops. Over the last 10 years, the number of dryland acres of corn crop has increased about 10%, meaning we are using less water to irrigate the corn.

Not only has ethanol reduced the amount of water it uses, but studies have also shown that ethanol is not toxic and would not pollute our ground water if it were ever spilled. Studies have shown that ethanol is a biodegradable fuel and would dissolve in water. A majority of people don’t realize that ethanol can be found in beer, bourbon, and other alcoholic beverages.

Once again we have proven that ethanol is an efficient fuel, a fuel that continues to reduce the amount of water it uses in production. We also don’t have to worry about this fuel polluting our valuable resources like water, unlike oil. So if you are driving a flex-fuel vehicle, make sure to stop in and fill up with E85. Not only are you supporting an industry that is providing you with an alternative fuel, but you are also supporting America’s hardworking corn farmers and their families!

Be sure to check back on Friday, July 7 to bust our final myth about ethanol. If you would like more information about Nebraska Corn Farmers or the ethanol industry, visit the Nebraska Corn Board website!