Population increases and municipal and recreational uses, as well as growing uncertainties about the effects of global climate change, call for a new approach to water use and water resource management. Two powerful tools, climate change risk assessment and total water management, can be used to determine the vulnerability of water management systems to climate change. These tools can also be used to drive the development of integrated water management strategies and infrastructure to provide water supplies that are more resilient to the effects of climate change. One approach for assessing the risks of climate change to water systems is to use a dual analytical framework known as the threshold‐scenario risk assessment. The framework comprises two parts: the more qualitative threshold risk assessment approach; and, the quantitative scenario risk assessment approach. This article provides tools, resources, examples, and new, holistic solutions that can be used to manage both the built and natural portions of the water cycle. Water professionals will find this approach more effective than considering the components separately when addressing the challenges posed by global climate change.
Assessment reports (ARs) from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have been a comprehensive source of information for various entities since 1990, guiding policies, strategies, planning, and attitudes relating to climate change; the authors compare AR4 of 2007 and AR5, which is being released in four parts.
Planning and design for water and wastewater infrastructure is typically based on past climate patterns assuming that these patterns will continue through the design period of the targeted infrastructure. Given the evidence of climate change and increasing uncertainty in hydrometerological events including changes in the intensity, timing, form, and distribution of precipitation and runoff typical design procedures carry a risk of being inadequate through the life cycle of installed infrastructure compromising the flexibility and reliability of water and wastewater infrastructure systems. Incorporating climate risk assessment into infrastructure planning accommodates the emerging need for planning and design of water and wastewater infrastructure to long-term service that protects public health and provides the full service intended.
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