Water cycle safety plan framework

Abstract

Potential effects of climate dynamics on the urban water cycle can involve the aggravation of existing conditions as well as occurrence of new hazards or risk factors. The risks associated with expected climate changes have to be dealt with by the society in general and by the water utilities and other stakeholders in particular. The challenges created by climate changes require an integrated approach for dealing with existing and expected levels of risk. Given the interactions of urban water and natural systems, adaptation measures should address all water cycle components and their interactions. A generic framework is proposed in this document in order to identify relevant risks and opportunities while incorporating uncertainties, in a systematic way. The main purpose of this report is to setup an overall framework for development and implementation of Water Cycle Safety Plans (WCSP). The subsequent PREPARED tasks allow this initial proposal of framework to be tested and adjusted using the selected case studies of the project. Throughout this document, examples and tools are provided to clarify and assist implementing a WCSP framework. The final version of the proposed framework (deliverable D2.1.4) will further include, for each WCSP step, practical examples of its application to the PREPARED project case studies.