Urgent Alert: Climate Change Puts Prudence Island’s Drinking Water at Risk – Insights from TPR: The Public’s Radio

Prudence Island, located in Narragansett Bay, is home to around 230 full-time residents. Accessible only by boat, its small community faces an emerging drinking water crisis intensified by climate change.

Resident Robin Weber, who has lived on the island for over 20 years, recalls the shift in housing on the island. “We used to have small summer cottages, but those are being replaced by larger homes,” she says. These homes lead to increased water consumption, creating pressure on the island’s limited resources.

In summer, the population swells to about 1,500 as many seasonal visitors choose to stay longer into the fall. This change escalates the demand for water, but the supply remains finite. Prudence Island relies on just two wells, with no backup source, which raises concerns about its aging infrastructure.

Weber, who also serves on an all-volunteer water board, explains the critical situation. “Rain is our main source,” she says, highlighting the island’s dependence on natural rainfall for replenishing water supplies. Unfortunately, climate change leads to unpredictable patterns, putting additional strains on the community.

Recently, Rhode Island has seen prolonged droughts and historic rainfall. According to a study by Brown University, we can expect more extreme weather patterns in the coming years. Oceanographer Baylor Fox-Kemper explains that droughts will become harsher while heavier storms may bring more water than the land can absorb. This imbalance could worsen Prudence Island’s water issues.

Adding to the complexity, saltwater intrusion could affect the freshwater supply. Hydrologist Soni Pradhanang warns that rising sea levels could contaminate the island’s wells, making it harder to ensure safe drinking water. Already, the community has nearly faced total water loss. “A pump failure could have left us in deep trouble,” Weber recalls, emphasizing the island’s vulnerability.

Invasive species are an additional concern. During recent droughts, gypsy moths ravaged local trees, depleting the island’s forest cover, which reduces the natural capacity for water retention. “Without a healthy canopy, we struggle to capture rainwater effectively,” Weber says.

Attempts to drill new wells for additional water have been blocked due to conservation restrictions. A state spokesperson has indicated that legal barriers prevent altering the land’s status, leaving the future of Prudence Island hanging in the balance.

As conditions worsen, Weber worries about the island’s survival, stating, “If we can’t find more water, we might cease to exist.” The challenges Prudence Island faces reflect broader issues across similar communities dealing with climate change, making it clear that proactive measures are essential for their future.

For more insights on the potential impacts of climate change on drinking water, the [U.S. Geological Survey](https://www.usgs.gov) offers extensive studies and resources. Understanding local environmental changes can empower communities to better prepare for the uncertainty ahead.

Source link

Baylor Fox-Kemper,climate change,One Storm Away,Prudence Island,Robin Weber,sea level rise,Soni Pradhanang