AWWA Policy: Climate change

Mar. 15, 2018

Source: American Water Works Association (AWWA)

The following revised AWWA Policy Statement on Climate Change has been approved by the Technical and Educational Council for member comment.

Comments on the policy statement will be reviewed by AWWA staff and forwarded to the Executive Committee if the comments are minor or referred back to the originating body if the comments are substantive. Policies forwarded to the Executive Committee will be reviewed and, if approved, forwarded to the Board of Directors for final action.

AWWA Climate Change Policy Statement

Adopted by the Board of Directors Jan. 17, 2010. Revised Jan. 19, 2014.

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) recognizes that global climate change, along with inherent variability, can cause impacts on the hydrologic cycle, source water, and water demands that differ from statistical trends based on historical records, thus impacting the anticipated quantity, quality, and reliability of water supplies. Two principal goals for water utilities in addressing impacts due to climate change and inherent variability are: to assess risk and uncertainty; and to develop and take actions that improve resiliency and sustainability in utility management, facilities and water sources.

Comprehensive planning efforts such as integrated water resources development, contingency and emergency preparedness, risk assessments, and energy management plans address a wide range of climate scenarios in preparation for, and response to, changing and variable climate conditions.

AWWA supports and encourages efforts by water utilities to examine their energy usage and carbon footprint, and reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by developing management plans for energy efficiency. AWWA supports water efficiency as a means to achieve energy efficiency and prolong the usefulness of existing supplies. AWWA supports the development of more refined climate models and tools that address the impacts of climate change and inherent variability on water quality, quantity, and demand at scales relevant to water utilities.

AWWA believes it is essential for water utilities to work together and collaborate with other sectors of water users on climate change analyses, evaluation of alternative scenarios, and mitigation and adaptation planning and investments. Water utilities should work closely with power suppliers to address issues related to the water-energy nexus. To effectively integrate climate science into water utility operation and planning, water utilities should collaborate with national climate services to better address the needs of water utilities. Water utilities are encouraged to monitor climate science developments, engage with climate science researchers via established programs, and participate in the practical application of climate modeling and impact assessment at the utility scale. AWWA encourages water utilities to: support the advancement of regional climate modeling; respond proactively to anticipated climate variation; and develop adaptation responses that enhance resiliency across a broad range of projected climate scenarios. AWWA recommends that water utilities undertake adaptive planning and management through the development of climate action plans to address the specific impacts of climate change on their water supplies, operations, and facilities.

Practices specified in this policy statement are consistent with all other pertinent AWWA policy statements.