The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water has released a public draft strategy aimed at identifying the impacts of climate change on national clean water and drinking water programs, and possible approaches for dealing with them. The Office has also issued a memorandum asking for public comment on the strategy.

The document, National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change, addresses the growing scientific consensus on climate change and identifies problems that may occur as a result of Global Warming. These include the strong possibility of encroaching shorelines due to rising sea levels, changes in ocean chemistry that will affect natural habitats and fisheries, changing patterns of rain and snowfall that will impact drinking water supplies, and an increase in polluted water runoffs due to more intense storm activity.

While the document acknowledges the uncertainty that still exists surrounding the issue of climate change, it also asserts that long-term scientific studies have resulted in a more broadened consensus on the impact of Global Warming on water resources. It stresses the urgency with which the "National Water Program and its partners need to assess emerging climate change information, evaluate potential impacts...on water programs, and identify needed responses."

The report identifies five long-term strategy goals for the National Water Program. These include efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through more energy efficient water treatment and delivery systems, tailoring existing water programs in response to increasing climate change, deeper involvement in climate research, educating partners and water professionals on the issues, and an expansion of the National Water Program's climate change management capability.  

Although water shortages have historically been linked to "third world" regions, the problem may be coming home to roost for developed countries like the United States. Climate change impacts on water resources are becoming increasingly difficult for us to ignore. Last year hosted one of the driest summers on record, particularly in the Southeastern United States-a region normally associated with abundant rainfall-where an unprecedented drought affected crops, lowered river levels and sparked a water supply crisis in Atlanta, Georgia. It was deemed by many to be the worst summer since the Dust Bowl years of the 1930s. And as global temperatures continue to rise, causing hotter summers by the year, we may only be seeing the tip of the iceberg.

The Office of Water is urging the public to get involved and welcomes comments on the document. It will also host a live Webcast on Thursday, May 8th to discuss the draft strategy and to address related questions.

For more information on how to register for the Webcast or where to send comments to the EPA, visit http://www.epa.gov/water/climatechange/.