Adapted operation of drinking water systems to cope with climate change

Abstract

Most water supply systems have evolved over the past decades into systems that can supply sufficient and safe water under the current conditions. Climate change will affect these conditions, requiring a more rapid adaptation to new conditions. Rapid response is needed during events that cause an immediate threat to water quality. But also more gradual changes such as temperature rise can be regarded a rapid change with respect to the rate at which a distribution system can be adapted. This section discusses the risks from these rapid changes that can affect water supply and how they can be addressed. Water supply systems can be affected in various ways and through different causes. The effect of changes in raw water quality on drinking water production and distribution were studied. Direct risks to drinking water infrastructure, for example by flooding, are not the focus of this study. The changes can be categorised as: - New or increasing levels of contaminants in raw water - Changes in raw water quality that affect treatment performance - Changing environmental conditions causing (growth) processes to occur in raw or treated water These changes can have different causes and are often a result of various combinations. These causes were identified in the study based on expected climate change in Europe and more specifically the effects in four climatic regions. Selected risks that were considered most relevant by the participating partners were studied in more detail, including adaptation of treatment systems to deal with these rapid changes.