Effective management of water systems is essential to protect human health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide healthy habitat for fish, plants and wildlife. Climate change is expected to affect these systems.
The operations and infrastructure of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities can be threatened by more frequent and intense storms that can lead to flooding. Operations and infrastructure can also be adversely affected by more frequent and intense drought, sea-level rise and salt water intrusion.
Water quality can be threatened by increases in stormwater runoff, erosion and sedimentation, and algal blooms. Protecting ecosystems may become more difficult as a result of warming air and water temperatures, sea-level rise, and drought.
