Securing safe drinking water supply under climate change conditions

Abstract

Water suppliers worldwide are challenged by climate variations, but so far only the qualitative change in boundary conditions has become clear but not yet the degree and impact on the water supply systems. Short-term quality changes in surface waters can, e.g. be caused by extreme rainfalls after dry periods. Longer heat periods without rain can induce middle-term quality changes in surface waters due to lacking dilution. Furthermore, unsustainable management of groundwater can lead to long-term quality changes and to water shortages, especially in times with higher water demand. Depending on the individual situation, the expected effects on the supply system differ widely, so a general adaptation strategy will not suit the individual problems. The purpose of our work is to enable water supply companies to systematically identify potential risks resulting from climate change and other external factors in a water safety plan approach, and to adapt the supply system in a most effective way by taking advantage of ongoing modernization measures and 'noregret'-measures. A suitable adaptation strategy should address climate change conditions as well as other external factors like changing water demand and also to take into account possible effects on every part of the supply system. N. Staben (corresponding author)A. Nahrstedt

Climate change and water‐related ecosystem services: impacts of drought in california, usa

“…In a review of worldwide water suppliers, Staben et al. () stressed a need for a tailored climate adaptation strategy that suits local settings. Climate‐induced increases in water demand and changing demographic conditions should be taken into account for future adaptation planning by water utilities (Parandvash and Chang ).…”

“…While there have been numerous studies investigating the potential consequences of climate change on water availability, the specific degree and impact on the water supply system are less quantified. In a review of worldwide water suppliers, Staben et al (2015) stressed a need for a tailored climate adaptation strategy that suits local settings. Climate-induced increases in water demand and changing demographic conditions should be taken into account for future adaptation planning by water utilities (Parandvash and Chang 2016).…”

Towards sustainable drinking water abstraction: an integrated sustainability assessment framework to support local adaptation planning

“…Climate change is an important future development that will affect the water system and thus the drinking water supply (Staben et al 2015). In the Dutch situation already more warm, dry summers and wet winters occur, and this is expected to increase (Van Den Hurk et al 2014).…”

“…This may eventually lead to groundwater quality deterioration too through the infiltration of surface water. The requirements for water treatment will therefore also change as a result from climate change (Staben et al 2015). In this research, we assume that climate change will reduce water availability as well as deteriorate water quality.…”

Impact of Changes in Groundwater Extractions and Climate Change on Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems in a Complex Hydrogeological Setting

“…The uncertainty of the impact interferes with the urgency to decide on adaptation measures concerning drinking water supply. In addition, adequate adaptation of drinking water systems to these kinds of long-term developments is complicated and involves not only technical, but also social, political and economic aspects (Kloosterman 2015;Staben et al 2015;Zwolsman et al 2014). Therefore, it is important to assess the effect of adaptation measures, also regarding climate change, before these measures are implemented.…”