Region 1: EPA New England
Adapting Water Programs to a Changing Climate
Need to Adapt to Climate Change
Climate change is no longer a distant threat—we are already feeling its impacts across the country and the world. The President's Climate Action Plan (June 2013)
Increased drought conditions are already challenging our communities, while more frequent and intense storms are straining our ability to manage stormwater runoff, to deliver safe drinking water and to ensure proper wastewater treatment. EPA Administrator, Gina McCarthy (July 31, 2013)
Climate Change has Important Impacts on Water Resources. As climate change warms the atmosphere and alters the hydrological cycle, there are likely to be changes to the amount, timing, form, and intensity of precipitation and the flow of water in watersheds, as well as the quality of aquatic and marine environments.
What is the Region 1 Water Program Doing about Climate Change? The Region 1 water program is working with state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and the regulated community to adapt water programs to a changing climate in New England. These activities are described in the draft EPA New England Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan (PDF) (67 pp, 1.4 MB, about PDF). You can comment on the draft plan until January 3, 2014.
- More information on the impacts of a changing climate on water in Region 1 can be found in the National Climate Assessment New England chapter.
- More information about EPA Region 1 actions related to climate change is available.
Region 1 Water Program Climate Partnerships:
- New England Climate Summit website
- New England Federal Partners (see "Statement of Common Purpose") (PDF) (22 pp, 512 K, about PDF)
- Northeast Regional Ocean Council
- New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
- New England Climate Ready Estuaries (PDF) (4 pp, 833 K, about PDF)
What is the National Water Program Doing to Respond to Climate Change?
- The draft Climate Change Implementation Plan for the EPA Office of Water (PDF) (67 pp, 1.4 MB, about PDF) is available.
- The final National Water Program 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change is available.
- The National Water Program website on climate change and water is available.