EPA’s Nationwide Assistance to Water Utilities Assessing Climate Risk and Developing Adaptation Strategies

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed its Climate Ready Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative to assist drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities in becoming “climate ready.” By providing valuable tools and resources for the water sector, CRWU promotes a clear understanding of climate science as well as adaptation strategies to help utilities develop more resilient water systems. Starting in 2014, EPA has been assisting 28 utilities across the United States in all ten EPA regions in conducting climate related risk assessments using its Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT). The assessments have identified present-day and potential future utility-level climate risks and adaptation strategies that will build climate readiness and resilience.