CLIMATE CHANGE
Preparing for
/^l" /^l at New England
Climate Change
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Drinking Water Utilities
U.S. EPA | CLIMATE CHANGE OUTREACH AT EPA NEW ENGLAND
WATER RESOURCES: Future changes to
temperature and precipitation patterns will have a significant effect
on the way we manage our water resources. Rased on the Northeast
Climate Impacts Assessment report from 2006, New England will experience the following
over the next century: longer, hotter, drier summers; shorter, warmer winters; fewer rain
events with more frequent and intense storms; and, rising sea level.
INTRO:
Climate change is already occurring and is expected to have a wide range of consequences on drinking water
treatment in New England. By considering the potential effects of climate change, we can make improvements
today to decrease our risks in the future. The following information is intended to assist New England drinking
water utilities in preparing to effectively anticipate and respond to the relevant issues that they can expect to
face in the coming century.
IMPACTS ON WATER UTILITIES:
Drinking water utilities should be aware of the following
impacts that climate change will have on their sector:
• Increased risk of drought
• Increased water demand
• Increased risk of flooding
• Declining quality of source waters
• Higher risk of inundation and storm
damage for coastal facilities
WHAT DRINKING WATER
UTILITIES CAN DO:
Preparing for the impacts of climate change begins by
first indentifying the particular risks and concerns for
your utility (e.g., increased water demand, insufficient
treatment capacity for more polluted source waters,
heightened risk of flooding, etc.). You can find models
that work on small geographic scales (i.e., downscale
models) at http://northeastclimatedata.org. Once this
is done, there are certain cost-effective measures that
you can take to minimize those risks while providing
additional benefits to your utility.
You can use opportunities such as periodic larger-scale
system evaluations and the contemplation of planned
upgrades or new construction to incorporate climate
change considerations into your facility design. Examples
include: building additional storage capacity, installing
protective devices or structures to stop flood waters,
or elevating critical infrastructure components to levels
above those at risk for flooding.
Compiling an inventory of utility assets (i.e., any compo-
nent with an independent physical and functional identity
and age, such as pumps, motors, intakes, tanks, or mains)
can help you determine the location, importance and
condition of each asset. This knowledge will ultimately
lead to an improved response in emergency situations,
more predictable maintenance and capital replacement
budgets, and improved security of your system.
Encouraging water efficiency can minimize or delay
the need for system expansion and can reduce energy
use, thereby saving utilities money. It can also help
reduce the overall water demand during peak demand
and drought periods and works to conserve available
water resources for long-term use.
Climate change impacts can stress natural ecosystems
and compromise their ability to provide valuable eco-
system services, such as flood protection, clean water,
and water storage. Managing ecosystem quality and
sensitive areas in your watershed can protect water
quality and minimize flood risks. Consider partner-
ships with local conservation organizations or land
trusts that may be able to assist in the planning and
financing of source water protection activities.
KEY CONTACT:
JACKIE LECLAIR
Manager
Municipal Assistance Unit
U.S. EPA New England
(617) 918-1549
leclair.jackie@epa.gov
GENERAL INFO:
EPA NEW ENGLAND
1 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02114-2023
www.epa.gov/ne/
TOLL-FREE
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
1-800-EPA-7341
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
© printed on 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of 50% post-consumer waste, using vegetable-based inks
EPA-901-F-09-038
November 2009
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