Managing Climate Risk in Water Supply Systems

Water resources systems provide multiple services and, if managed properly, can contribute significantly to social well-being and economic growth. However, extreme or unexpected hydroclimatic conditions, such as droughts and floods, can adversely affect or even completely interrupt these services. This manual seeks to provide knowledge, resources and techniques for water resources professionals to manage the risks and opportunities arising from hydroclimatic variability and change. Managing Climate Risk in Water Supply Systems provides materials and tools designed to empower technical professionals to better understand the key issues in water supply systems. These materials are part of a suite of resources that are developed to share climate risk knowledge related to a range of sectors and climate-related problems. The text motivates students by providing practical exercises and it stimulates readers or workshop participants to consider options and analyses that highlight opportunities for better management in the water systems in which they are stakeholders. Managing Climate Risk in Water Supply Systems provides a hands-on approach to learning key concepts in hydrology and climate science as they relate to climate risk management in water supply systems. The primary audience is technical professionals in water resources management and provides a practical approach to training. Editors: Casey Brown, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, MA, USA and M. Neil Ward, Independent Consultant, New Jersey, USA