Small Community Infrastructure Sustainability - Drinking Water

The state is completing its climate change vulnerability assessment.

What is this?

Washington’s climate is changing, and the impacts of the expected changes could be profound. Although the state is working to reduce its contributions to climate change, some changes cannot be prevented. Governor Gregoire has committed the state to preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change, as part of Washington’s Climate Change Challenge.  The Governor tasked the directors of the Departments of Ecology and Community, Trade and Economic Development with determining specific steps the state should take to get ready for climate change impacts to five sectors of Washington life: public health, agriculture, coastline and infrastructure, forestry, and water supply and management.

Why is this useful?

Adaptation is an integral component of a comprehensive climate change strategy.  Although mitigation must be pursed concurently, a pragmatic repsonse to climate change recognizes that a certain degree of change is inevitable and likely already underway.  Preparing for adaptation will help to offset negative impacts from climate change.  This document illustrates the particular strategy employed by the state of Washington as it may be useful to adopt various elements of it in your own approach to climate change adaptation. 

Who created it and when?

It was created by Washington state's Department of Ecology in January of 2008.

Where can I get it?

Click below for a pdf version: