Course: GFM 103 Exterior Environmental Management

Reading and Audio-Visual Assignments

(2/2)
Climate Ready Water Utilities

EPA's Climate Ready Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative assists the water sector, which includes drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities, in addressing climate change impacts. Through the development of practical and easy-to-use tools, EPA promotes a clear understanding of climate science and adaptation options by translating complex climate projections into accessible formats. This information helps utility owners and operators better prepare their systems for the impacts of climate change.

The impacts of events such as Hurricane Sandy pose challenges to water sector utilities. Extreme weather events, sea level rise, shifting precipitation patterns and temperature variability, all intensified by climate change, have significant implications for the sustainability of the water sector. By planning for, assessing and adapting to these challenges, the water sector can fulfill their public health and environmental missions and begin the process of becoming climate ready.

To set the foundation for our climate ready efforts, EPA convened a CRWU Working Group under the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) in Fall 2009. The NDWAC delivered its CRWU Report (PDF) (76 pp., 1MB, About PDF) to EPA in January 2011. See the Overview of the NDWAC CRWU Working Group Report (PDF), (3 pp., 875K, About PDF) for a brief summary of findings and recommendations.

The report includes 11 findings and 12 recommendations, an Adaptive Response Framework (PDF) (14 pp., 774K, About PDF) to guide climate ready activities and the identification of needed resources and possible incentives to support and encourage utility climate readiness.

Click on the tabs above for more information on the CRWU initiative, Tools &amp; Resources and Training.

- CRWU Brochure
For more information on the CRWU initiative and products, view the CRWU Brochure (PDF) (2 pp., 441K, About PDF)