Southeast Florida's Resilient Water Resources - Adaptation to Sea Level Rise and Other Impacts of Climate Change

This report examines how, and to what extent, sea-level rise and other climate change impacts are likely to influence Southeast Florida’s water supply, wastewater reuse alternatives, and ground and surface waters.  Engineering options and management strategies for enhancing the resilience of the region’s water systems are described in five areas: 1) conservation, 2) protection of existing sources, 3) development of alternative water sources, 4) reclamation and reuse of treated wastewater, and 5) storm water management.

A Case Study of the City of Pompano Beach Water Utility exemplifies how these tools can be applied to improve the resilience of a local water utility. An adaptive planning framework is outlined for management of the region’s water resources as sea-level continues to rise and as drought and more severe storm events worsen with time.

Publication Date: November 15, 2009

Authors or Affiliated Users:

  • Barry N. Heimlich
  • Frederick Bloetscher
  • Daniel E. Meeroff
  • James Murley

Related Organizations:

  • Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental, and Geomatics Engineering at FAU
  • Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at FAU
  • Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

Sectors:

Resource Category:

Resource Types:

  • Assessment
  • Policy analysis/recommendations

States Affected:

Impacts:

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