Access to clean drinking water is becoming more unpredictable due to climate change. A recent study in *Communications Earth & Environment* highlights that climate factors like droughts and floods are making it harder to obtain safe water in the U.S.
About 67 million people—close to one in five Americans—rely on water utilities that are vulnerable to climate events. Researchers examined 1,500 municipal water utilities and found that every region faces risks. In the West, drought is a major issue, while coastal flooding affects groundwater quality in other areas. Even in the Northeast and upper Midwest, where the infrastructure is older, extreme cold can damage pipes.
“Much of our infrastructure dates back decades,” says Costa Samaras, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. “It wasn’t built for today’s climate challenges.” This means that existing systems struggle to recover from climate-related issues. The study noted that utilities are facing rising operating costs and lost revenue, which affects their ability to invest in necessary improvements.
In states like Texas, some of the most populous areas have the most vulnerable water systems. Here, increased investments are critical to maintain service as populations grow. Unfortunately, many water utilities are not planning for future climate risks. They often prioritize short-term fixes over long-term solutions, which can lead to a “negative financial loop,” explains Zia Lyle from the University of North Carolina. This makes it tough for companies to maintain service while investing in the future.
Surprisingly, only 30% of utilities discussed climate risk in their bond statements for 2024. This lack of transparency means investors may be unaware of potential risks. For instance, six states—Michigan, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Texas—currently hold about $500 million in bond debt, further complicating financial stability amid decreasing federal funding.
However, some states are taking proactive steps. In Colorado, Denver Water is evaluating how drought affects their operations and taking necessary action to secure future water access. With appropriate assessments and state and federal support, it’s possible to ensure sustainable drinking water in the future.
“Now is the time for systems to invest,” Dr. Lyle emphasizes. Making these investments today is crucial before costs increase even more. As climate hazards grow, it’s essential for communities to prepare and adapt to protect their water resources.
For further insights on climate risk and water accessibility, check out the reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
