Climate change: Charting a water course in an uncertain future

Abstract

The planet is warming, and many scientists agree that the rise in temperature is human‐made. However, science has not developed a model to predict the effects of increasing temperatures. Still, water utilities can and must plan for the uncertainties of climate change and its effects on water supplies and operations. The findings of a comprehensive case study, conducted by the East Bay Municipal Utility District in California on strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate changes, are presented in this article. Water utilities must include climate change in water supply availability and resource planning and can use this case study as a framework. The information presented in this article is applicable to long‐term water supply planning and can assist with decision‐making.

Energy and water quality management systems for water utility's operations: A review

“…Estimates indicate that approximately 90% of the electricity purchased by U.S. water utilities, US$10 billion per year, is required for pumping water through the various stages of extraction, treatment, and final distribution to consumers [Bunn, 2011;Skeens et al, 2009]. Further, the energy use in water utilities, with the exclusion of energy use for water heating by residential and commercial users, contributes significantly to an increasing carbon footprint with an estimated 45 million tons of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emitted annually in U.S. into the atmosphere [Griffiths-Sattenspiel and Wilson, 2009;Wallis et al, 2008;Kanakoudis, 2014].…”

Assessing the carbon footprint of water supply and distribution systems

“…Water utilities are an indirect source of carbon emissions because of the use of energy in distribution systems (Wallis et al, 2008). These systems have generally been designed and operated to consistently supply water in sufficient quantity, at appropriate pressure, and of acceptable quality as economically as possible.…”

“…American Water, the largest investor‐owned water and wastewater company in the United States, reported that 97% of its electricity consumption and 90% of its greenhouse gas emissions are the products of the water delivery process (Young, 2010). The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 3% of national energy consumption is used for drinking water and wastewater services, emitting approximately 45 million tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year (Wallis et al, 2008). The agency is currently working closely with water and power agencies to develop programs that foster more efficient operations (Grumbles, 2008; Strutt et al, 2008).…”

Adaptation of Florida’s Urban Infrastructure to Climate Change

“…In order for a community to develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies, local utilities must judge the vulnerability of their infrastructure and operating protocols (Wallis et al 2008). Utilities are encouraged to use risk assessments to account for the uncertainties associated with stormwater and any impacts of changes in climate patterns.…”