Miscellaneous

Introduction The Adaptation Strategies Guide for Water Utilities provides adaptation options for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater utilities based on region and projected climate impacts. While specific example adaptation options are described in the Guide, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for adaptation planning. Utilities will need to use the information included in this Guide to assist them in developing plans that contain adaptation options suited to their specific needs, taking into consideration their location, climate impacts of concern and available resources. Utilities should collaborate with state and federal authorities, interdependent sectors (i.e., energy, agriculture, forestry and wildlife) and other nearby utilities early in the adaptation planning process to ensure comprehensive and consistent planning. Readers should use this Guide as an informational resource to identify potential strategies for adapting to climate change impacts. This Introduction provides background information to promote a better understanding of the adaptation planning process. The document then allows users to identify their relevant challenges by climate region and consider potential adaptation options to address these challenges. Finally, a Worksheet for Adaptation Planning is provided to allow users to organize the information in this Guide and tailor it to their utility.