The Time for Climate Adaptation is Now

Climate change, once a taboo topic, is now challenging the way water utilities plan for the future. Observed warming and climate model projections now call into question the stability of future water quantity and quality. As water utilities across the country but particularly in the West grapple with preparing for the large range of possible climate change impacts, many are searching for new planning techniques to help them better prepare for a different, more uncertain, future. Several promising new methods are being tested in water utilities planning. This presentation will discuss the need for climate adaptation, describe several promising approaches, and take a look at how different groups are addressing adaptation.