Adapting to Climate Change

The Water SectorRobert Morgan, Ph.D., P.E.

Beaver Water District

Water Sector

Cost for Adapting to Climate Change through 2050

Drinking Water: $325 - $692 Billion

Wastewater: $ 123 – $252 Billion

Total Water Sector: $ 448 - $944 Billion

National Association of Clean Water Agencies, 2009

Warmer Temperature, more Evaporation

Higher Absolute Humidity

Frequent Extreme Precipitation

Longer Dry Spells

Changing Hydrologic Cycle

Shift toward Winter Drier Summers and

Falls

Seasonal Pattern of Precipitation

National Academies Press

More Frequent Extreme Events

National Academies Press

Figure ES-1: Extreme Downpours Have Become More Frequent Across Much of the United States

                                                                                                       

The biggest rainstorms and snowstorms are getting bigger

Environment America

Water Availability

National Academy of Sciences

Frequent and Longer Droughts

ImpactHigher Temperature

Water

Increased Domestic Water Use

Increased Irrigation Demand Water Quality

Source Water Algae Taste and Odor Toxins

Distribution System – Disinfection Byproducts

Wastewater

Water Quality Receiving Stream DO Power Costs

ImpactFrequent Extreme Events

Water

Water Quality Turbidity and Sediment Phosphorus Load

Treatability Flooding

Service Outage Water Line Breaks

Wastewater

Infiltration/Inflow Hydraulic Load Flooding Sewer Line Breaks

Other

Stream Erosion Transportation Flooding Hydrologic Science

ImpactReduced Water Availability

Water

Adequacy of Source Increased Pumping Costs Interstate/city Conflicts Competing Uses

Domestic/Agriculture/Industry/ Recreation/Ecosystem

Potential Mandatory Conservation

Wastewater

Lack of Dilution in Receiving Stream

Higher Cost of Treatment

Reduced Water Supply Increased Irrigation Demand

Declining Groundwater Minimum Streamflow

Increased Domestic Water Demand Potential Mandatory Water Conservation Environmental Flows

ImpactLonger Drought

Adapting to Climate ChangeDrinking Water

Long-Term

Source Development Source Water Protection Additional Treatment

Facilities

Short-Term

Flood Proofing Identify Critical

Infrastructure Risk Assessment

Adapting to Climate ChangeWastewater

Long-Term

Flow Reduction Program Infiltration/inflow

management Wet Weather Storage Increased Treatment

Capacity Effluent cooling Reuse and Recycling

Short-Term

Identify Critical Infrastructure Risk assessment

Flood proofing Illicit Discharge Detection Storm Sewer disconnects

No-Regrets Planning Total Water Management

Consider the Resource Holistically Source, Treatment, Waste, Storm, Environmental

Conservation, Reuse and Recycle Green Infrastructure

Utilize Ecosystem Services Rain Gardens, Wetlands, Swales, Green Roofs,

Rainwater Harvesting, Permeable Pavement Cooperative Emergency Response (ARWARN) Continue to Refine Research

Adapting to Climate ChangePublic Policy

Summary

More Frequent Floods but Reduced Water Availability

Water Quality Issues Cost to Adapt is Significant Top-down and Bottom-up Strategies