Climate Change is Real How can Utilities Cope with Potential Risks?

This article discusses the acceleration of climate change and how it will affect water resources and water utilities, and offers strategies for preparing for future change. Factors causing climate change include rising global temperatures and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Effects on water resources are listed, along with approaches utilities can take to cope with changes. Three case studies are summarized and include: climate change affecting coastal aquifers in Miami‐Dade County, Florida; using wildfire experience to assess and mitigate vulnerabilities by Denver Water in the Hayman fire experience; and, climate variability influencing water quality as seen by New York City's Department of Environmental Protection.