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Global climate model (GCM) projections are generally considered the best source of information for predicting future climate and hydrologic conditions in the face of a changing climate. Understanding and interpreting GCM projections is therefore critical for water resources planning. Unfortunately, this can be a challenging task as climate model data, particularly precipitation data, are notoriously noisy with large scatter and lacking in apparent patterns or trends. There is also usually large projection variability between models and model scenarios. This paper demonstrates a simple, practical method for synthesizing climate model data into more informative metrics using case studies of Atlanta, Georgia and Austin, Texas. Monthly and daily GCM projections, as well as historical observations, were translated into commonly used summary metrics for extreme event planning: peak 24-hour storm events and the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). Statistical trend analyses on these two metrics were used as a simple means to better understand the data. As expected, results identified significant, increasing, trends in projected 21st century temperatures for most GCM projections. Less expectedly, significant trends were also identified for projected future monthly and 24-hour maximum precipitation and drought severity. Implications of this work for water resources planning are discussed.

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There is a growing need for urban water managers to take a more holistic view of their water resource systems as population growth, urbanization, and current operations put different stresses on the environment and urban infrastructure. Total water management (TWM) is an approach that examines urban water systems in a more interconnected manner, focusing on reducing water demands, increasing water recycling and reuse, creating water supply assets from stormwater management, matching water quality to end-use needs, and achieving environmental goals through multi-purpose, multi-benefit infrastructure. To better understand TWM and its potential benefits, the United States Environmental Protection Agency conducted a research study report. This paper summarizes one aspect of that report-demonstrating the benefits of TWM through the use of a systems model, using the city of Los Angeles as a case study.

This poster shows how conducting financial planning in an integrated resources planning context for the City of Los Angeles' wastewater, stormwater, and water systems has increased the range of funding options for meeting future utility system needs in a manner that is affordable to system customers. Key elements of the strategy that will be highlighted include: 1) Identifying a set of optimal, viable funding sources; 2) Planning for affordability; and 3) Feedback loops to the facilities planning processes.The objective of the IRP financial planning studies being conducted in 2003 is to identify an implementable, affordable funding program that allows development of wastewater, water, and stormwater capital projects consistent with guiding principles identified through an extensive stakeholder input process. Because of the increased inter-connectivity of the City's wastewater, water and stormwater systems, the decision was made to integrate the planning for the next generation of facilities to a degree not previously attempted. The poster illustrates how facility requirements throughout the water network are linked.The poster also identifies the aggressive program that has been used to identify traditional and creative funding sources to help finance the next wave of capital additions, maintenance, and renewal of the system's aging assets. The poster includes and expands upon the description of dynamic feedback loops between technical studies, illustrated below, which are central to the success of the efforts to define an optimized set of facilities and financial/rate strategies.