10.2 Water resources and management

Climate change is reshaping global water resources. Shifting precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events are altering water availability and quality worldwide. These changes impact ecosystems, agriculture, and human populations, necessitating adaptive management strategies.

Sustainable water management is crucial for climate resilience. Integrated approaches, nature-based solutions, and smart technologies are being implemented to address water scarcity and quality issues. From urban water conservation to transboundary cooperation, diverse strategies are emerging to secure water resources in a changing climate.

Climate Change's Impact on Water

Altered Precipitation and Temperature Patterns

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• Climate change shifts global precipitation patterns altering spatial and temporal distribution of water resources
  • Some regions experience increased rainfall while others face prolonged droughts
  • Seasonal timing of precipitation changes impacts agriculture and water management
• Rising temperatures increase evaporation rates affecting water availability
  • Surface water bodies like lakes and rivers experience greater water loss
  • Groundwater recharge decreases as more moisture evaporates before infiltrating soil
• Glacier retreat and reduced snowpack in mountains impact seasonal water availability
  • Affects downstream ecosystems and human populations reliant on meltwater
  • Examples: Reduced water supply in Andean cities, altered river flows in Himalayan regions

Extreme Weather and Water Quality

• Sea-level rise causes saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers
  • Compromises freshwater quality in coastal areas
  • Examples: Saltwater intrusion in Florida's Biscayne Aquifer, Bangladesh's coastal groundwater
• Extreme weather events become more frequent and intense
  • Floods can contaminate water sources with pollutants and sediment
  • Droughts concentrate pollutants in shrinking water bodies
• Changes in water temperature and chemistry impact aquatic ecosystems
  • Warmer waters hold less dissolved oxygen, stressing aquatic life
  • Altered pH levels affect species composition and ecosystem functioning
• Climate-induced changes affect water treatment processes
  • Higher temperatures can promote algal blooms, complicating water treatment
  • Increased turbidity from extreme rainfall events requires additional filtration

Climate Change and Water Scarcity

Exacerbation of Water Stress

• Climate change intensifies water stress in arid and semi-arid regions
  • Increased evapotranspiration rates deplete soil moisture and surface water
  • Reduced precipitation in already dry areas further limits water availability
  • Examples: Worsening water scarcity in Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa
• Shifts in rainfall patterns lead to longer dry periods and more intense rainfall events
  • Complicates water resource management and increases risk of droughts and floods
  • Challenges traditional water storage and distribution systems
• Rising temperatures increase water demand across sectors
  • Agriculture requires more irrigation water due to higher evapotranspiration
  • Energy production needs more cooling water for thermal power plants
  • Human consumption increases for hydration and cooling purposes

Long-term Water Resource Changes

• Melting glaciers initially increase water availability but lead to long-term scarcity
  • Short-term glacier melt provides additional water to rivers and streams
  • Long-term loss of glacial ice reduces reliable water sources for millions
  • Examples: Retreating Andean glaciers, shrinking Himalayan ice reserves
• Climate change-induced alterations in vegetation cover affect watershed hydrology
  • Changes in plant species composition impact water uptake and runoff patterns
  • Deforestation and land degradation reduce water retention capacity of landscapes
• Population growth and urbanization amplify water scarcity issues globally
  • Increasing water demand in growing urban areas strains limited resources
  • Examples: Water stress in rapidly expanding cities like Cape Town, São Paulo

Sustainable Water Management for Climate Change

Integrated Management Approaches

• Integrated Water Resources Management considers multiple sectors and stakeholders
  • Coordinates water use across agriculture, industry, and municipal needs
  • Incorporates environmental flow requirements for ecosystem health
  • Examples: Murray-Darling Basin Plan (Australia), Delaware River Basin Commission (USA)
• Water conservation and efficiency measures help mitigate water scarcity effects
  • Improved irrigation techniques reduce agricultural water consumption
  • Urban water use reduction through low-flow fixtures and leak detection
  • Examples: Drip irrigation in Israel, Singapore's water conservation campaigns
• Diversification of water sources increases resilience to climate-induced stress
  • Rainwater harvesting captures precipitation for local use
  • Water recycling and reuse reduces demand on freshwater sources
  • Desalination provides alternative supply in coastal areas
  • Examples: Rainwater harvesting in Chennai (India), water recycling in Windhoek (Namibia)

Nature-based Solutions and Adaptive Strategies

• Nature-based solutions enhance water quality and quantity
  • Wetland restoration improves water filtration and storage
  • Green infrastructure manages stormwater and reduces urban heat island effect
  • Examples: Restoration of Andean wetlands, Philadelphia's Green City, Clean Waters program
• Adaptive management strategies incorporate climate projections and real-time monitoring
  • Flexible water allocation policies respond to changing hydrological conditions
  • Continuous data collection informs decision-making and policy adjustments
• Transboundary water cooperation frameworks manage shared resources
  • International agreements address water allocation and quality issues
  • Joint monitoring and management of shared river basins and aquifers
  • Examples: Mekong River Commission, Guarani Aquifer Agreement
• Economic instruments incentivize efficient water use under climate change
  • Water pricing structures encourage conservation
  • Market-based allocation mechanisms optimize water distribution
  • Examples: Tiered water pricing in Los Angeles, water trading in Australia's Murray-Darling Basin

Water Infrastructure for Adapting to Changing Conditions

Resilient Infrastructure Design and Upgrades

• Robust and flexible water infrastructure accommodates climate uncertainty
  • Designing for a range of future scenarios rather than historical averages
  • Incorporating modular and scalable components for adaptability
• Upgrading existing water storage and distribution systems improves resilience
  • Reinforcing dams and levees to withstand more extreme flood events
  • Enhancing water treatment facilities to handle varying water quality
  • Examples: Upgrading New York City's water supply tunnels, modernizing California's water conveyance systems
• Implementation of green infrastructure manages stormwater and reduces flooding
  • Permeable pavements allow water infiltration and reduce runoff
  • Rain gardens and bioswales capture and filter stormwater
  • Examples: Chicago's Green Alley program, Portland's Green Streets initiative

Smart Technologies and Diversified Systems

• Smart water management technologies enable efficient and adaptive distribution
  • Real-time monitoring systems detect leaks and optimize water pressure
  • Automated control systems adjust treatment processes based on water quality
  • Examples: Smart water grid in Singapore, Barcelona's telecontrol system
• Diversifying water supply infrastructure enhances system resilience
  • Combining surface water, groundwater, and alternative sources
  • Developing interconnected regional water systems for flexibility
  • Examples: Southern California's diverse water portfolio, Perth's water supply mix
• Climate-resilient dam and reservoir management balances multiple objectives
  • Adaptive release strategies for flood control and water supply
  • Environmental flow provisions to maintain downstream ecosystem health
  • Examples: Flexible management of Colorado River reservoirs, Three Gorges Dam operation in China
• Coastal protection infrastructure adapts to sea-level rise
  • Seawalls and levees protect freshwater resources from saltwater intrusion
  • Nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration provide coastal buffers
  • Examples: Venice MOSE flood barrier system, mangrove rehabilitation in Vietnam's Mekong Delta