Incorporating climate change risk assessment into infrastructure planning

Planning and design for water and wastewater infrastructure is typically based on past climate patterns assuming that these patterns will continue through the design period of the targeted infrastructure. Given the evidence of climate change and increasing uncertainty in hydrometerological events including changes in the intensity, timing, form, and distribution of precipitation and runoff typical design procedures carry a risk of being inadequate through the life cycle of installed infrastructure compromising the flexibility and reliability of water and wastewater infrastructure systems. Incorporating climate risk assessment into infrastructure planning accommodates the emerging need for planning and design of water and wastewater infrastructure to long-term service that protects public health and provides the full service intended.