Climate change is battering US water systems

Climate change is piling additional stress on the U.S.’s already-strained water systems, leading to water system leaks, damaged utilities and lead contamination across the nation. 67 million American utility customers are served by water utilities with high climate risk: according to the American Water Works Association, between $2.1 and 2.4 trillion will be required between now and 2050 to redesign and update municipal water systems to prepare them for contemporary conditions.  

If utility companies cannot secure federal funding, and pass the cost along to consumers, it would increase drinking water bills by at least 126% according to the American Water Works Association. 

“Climate change has been particularly hard on water utilities. Bigger temperature swings, stronger floods and changes in groundwater levels mean expanding and contracting soil, shifting pipes and more water main breaks. Drought empties reservoirs and forces operators to tap alternative sources. Expanded periods of high heat strain equipment made to operate in cooler climates. More severe rain storms require expanded stormwater capacities. Rising sea levels threaten water sources and low-lying treatment plants with saltwater intrusion,” Patrick Sisson writes for Next City.