Climate Adaptation and Water Management

EPA works with states, tribes, and local communities to ensure drinking water is safe and to restore and maintain oceans, watersheds, and their aquatic ecosystems. The goal is to protect human health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide healthy habitat for fish, plants and wildlife.

The operations and infrastructure of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities can be threatened by more frequent and intense storms that can lead to flooding. Operations and infrastructure can also be adversely affected by more frequent and intense drought, more rapid sea-level rise, and salt water intrusion.

Water quality can be threatened by increases in stormwater runoff, erosion and sedimentation, and algal blooms. Protecting ecosystems may become more difficult as a result of warming air and water temperatures, sea-level rise, and drought.