Climate Change
Climate Change
Climate variability impacts the hydrologic cycle, source water, and water demands and in turn the long-term quantity, quality, and reliability of water supplies. Addressing impacts due to climate change includes assessing risk and uncertainty as well as improving resiliency and sustainability in utility management, facilities, and water sources.
Resources
Designing and Evaluating Effective and Ongoing Drought Communication
Timely and effective communication is a key element of any drought campaign implementation. While there are many best management practices and strategies, the following are essential for a successful modern drought communication campaign:
- Embrace digital communication
- Create a plan
- Maximize your resources
- Evaluate your metrics
This guidebook is packed with best management practices and key drought and water shortage communication strategies along with resources needed to ensure program success.
Technical Resources
Reports
Manuals
AWWA Standards
M19 Emergency Planning for Water and Wastewater Utilities
This manual presents an all-hazards approach for principles, practices, and guidelines in water utility emergency planning.
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M50 Water Resources Planning
This comprehensive, how-to manual and guide demonstrates how to produce a long-term Integrated Resource Plan for a water utility. It helps water resources planners develop and implement a comprehensive work plan that responds to technical and institutional questions that must be addressed before deciding how to develop new water supplies.
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M52 Water Conservation Programs
This manual provides water utilities and other industry professionals with the skills and information to develop, implement, and measure the success of a water conservation program.
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M60 Drought Preparedness and Response
This manual will help water managers facing water shortages by illustrating how to employ tried-and-true strategies and tactics of drought mitigation, as well as introducing new tools and methods.
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M71 Climate Action Plans — Adaptive Management Strategies for Utilities
This manual provides comprehensive global guidance providing the relevant information required to develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP).
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Related Resources
Forecasting Urban Water Demand, Second Edition
Practical, detailed approaches for developing accurate water demand forecasts.
Get the Book
City of Hamilton Signs Climate Change Emergency Declaration, Reduces Energy Consumption in Water Systems
The City of Hamilton, Ont., signed a climate change emergency declaration, with the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As part this plan, Hamilton Water is seeking a more efficient water distribution system that reduces water loss and electricity consumption.
Read the Article
Total Water Management: Practices for a Sustainable Future
Total water management is the exercise of stewardship and shared governance of water resources among utilities, business, and government for the greatest good of society and the environment.
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Water Conservation for Small- and Medium-Sized Utilities
Learn about sustainability with this practical guide to water conservation programs for small to medium-sized water utilities. Written for utilities serving fewer than 100,000 customers, this book provides practical advice and guidance for implementing a water conservation program.
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Watershed Management for Drinking Water Protection
Drinking water quality starts at the watershed. This is a practical guide on watershed management for drinking water providers. Protection of the watershed is the water provider’s first barrier in the multiple-barrier approach to preserving water quality from source to tap.
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M71 Climate Action Plans — Adaptive Management Strategies for Utilities
This manual provides comprehensive global guidance providing the relevant information required to develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP).
Read More
External Resources
EPA Creating Resilient Water Utilities Initiative
EPA Climate Change Water Sector
Water Utility Climate Alliance
US Department of Interior Climate Science Centers
US Global Change Research Program
Climate Change at the National Academies
NOAA Climate Change Impacts
NCAR/UCAR C3WE Program
Environment and Climate Change Canada
AWWA Policy Statements
AWWA’s policy statements are brief statements on protecting and improving water supply, water quality, management, and the interests of the public and the environment. They are written by consensus, subject to review and comment by AWWA committees, councils, and members. Because they represent AWWA’s position on these matters, they are approved by the AWWA Executive Committee of the board of directors.
Technical Committee Engagement
AWWA members are recognized globally for their industry expertise and their generosity in sharing that expertise for a better world through better water. AWWA members participate in committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals, developing standards, creating educational content, and contributing to AWWA publications. Committee members primarily interact through conference calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings at conferences and events.
Climate Change Committee
Water Resources Planning and Management Committee
Source Water Protection Committee
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