CLIMATE CHANGE
Considerations for
Water Infrastructure Projects
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. Based 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 water and waste-
water treatment in New England. By considering the potential effects of climate change, investments in flood
preparedness, drought preparedness, and asset management can be made today to decrease future risks.
INVESTING IN PREPAREDNESS:
With storms being more intense and concentrated in the
winter months, runoff will increase and accumulate faster,
thereby increasing the risk of flooding for important water
infrastructure, especially in the northern part of the region.
Drinking water and wastewater utilities can minimize their
risk by relocating critical infrastructure above potential
flood levels and out of flood plains, which are expected to
expand with climate change.
Higher temperatures and fewer rain events in the sum-
mer will increase the risk of short-term droughts (lasting
1 to 3 months) to almost once a year. Utilities can prepare
for these conditions by evaluating drinking water storage
capacity and considering the need for additional storage
or back-up supplies. It is also important to ensure water
conservation plans are well understood and updated as
needed.
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 con-
dition of each asset. This knowledge will ultimately lead to
an improved response in emergency situations, more pre-
dictable maintenance and capital replacement budgets, and
improved security of your system.
Finally, utilities should educate both the public and rate-
payers on what is being done and what to expect from
climate change impacts. Public support is critical to the
implementation of preparedness adaptations and
improvements.
GREEN PROJECTS:
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.
Implementing measures for energy efficiency can help to
both save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Utilities can improve energy efficiency by making improve-
ments to infrastructure (e.g., pumping stations, collection
systems), getting an energy audit to improve efficiency, or by
using renewable energy sources.
Investing in green infrastructure projects, such as low impact
development (LID), can help manage wet weather to
improve water quality, reduce the amount of stormwater
entering combined sewers, and reduce the risk of flooding.
Climate change impacts can stress natural ecosystems and
compromise their ability to provide valuable ecosystem ser-
vices, such as flood protection, dean water, and water storage.
Managing ecosystem quality and sensitive areas in a utility's
watershed can protect water quality and minimize flood risks.
Utilities can consider partnerships with local conservation orga-
nizations or land trusts that may be able to assist in 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
EPA-901-F-09-039
November 2009
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