Climate change is making our access to clean drinking water less reliable. A study in Communications Earth & Environment highlights that shifting weather patterns are affecting water supplies across the United States.
Droughts, floods, and other climate-related challenges threaten both the amount and quality of our drinking water. This impacts around 67 million people—about one in five Americans. Researchers studied 1,500 municipal water utilities and found that every region faces risks. For example, while droughts hit the West hardest, coastal flooding can contaminate groundwater with saltwater. In colder regions, aging pipes struggle against extreme cold.
Costa Samaras, a civil engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University, points out that much of our water infrastructure is old and wasn’t built for today’s climate challenges. Many utilities are now grappling with rising costs and revenue losses due to climate hazards.
Texas, for instance, has some of the most exposed utilities, largely due to population growth. This makes investment in infrastructure even more critical.
Unfortunately, many drinking water utilities aren’t financially preparing for climate risks. Instead of investing in long-term solutions, they often opt for quick fixes to restore service. Zia Lyle, a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, notes that this short-sighted approach can trap utilities in a cycle of financial strain.
Moreover, many don’t disclose climate risks in their bond statements. Only 30% of utilities mentioned climate change in their 2024 bonds. This lack of transparency leaves investors unaware of potential risks. In six states, bond debt totals around $500 million, and with declining federal support, the financial pressure grows.
Some states are taking action. Denver Water in Colorado is evaluating drought risks to improve future planning and ensure reliable water supply.
Experts suggest it’s crucial for water systems to invest now. With affordable capital, there’s still time to mitigate future challenges. Addressing these risks head-on could make a significant difference for millions who rely on these services.
Climate change may seem like a distant threat, but for many, it’s already impacting daily life. Planning and investment can help us secure the water we need for the future.
