CE110 - Philosophies & Design Considerations

*Climate change

change in the state of the climate that can be identified (e.g. using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties, and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer. [IPCC]

*adaptation

for climate change, adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities. (IPCC)

*mitigation

for climate change, reducing and stabilizing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (https

*extreme events

the occurrence of a weather variable near or beyond the ends of historical observed range of values in a specific region, including drought, heat, wildfires, floods (or storms), and sea level rise.

*managed aquifer recharge (MAR)

a process where water is put back into groundwater storage from surface-water supplies or water reuse through spreading basin or injection well.

*decoupling

an industry best practice that is used within rates and enables water conservation while covering a utility’s fixed costs of providing reliable water services.

*linear water system

water system (composed of potable water supply and wastewater management) in which the water is used only once and then disposed

*stationarity

the assumption that, while observed conditions may exhibit large variations, the variability and average conditions will remain consistent into the future.

*externality

an externality is a cost to society that is not reflected in its price. (environmental externalities are externalities that impact the environment)

hydrologic drought

A long period of abnormally low rainfall, especially one that adversely affects growing or living conditions

*environmental flow

the minimum quantity, quality, and timing of water flow in a river or stream needed to maintain the health of the water body, the ecosystem, and the humans that depend on it

*innovation

the development, application, diffusion, and utilization of new knowledge and/or technology. In incremental innovation is a series of small improvements. A disruptive innovation disrupts an existing market or displaces and existing technology.

*disruptive innovation

An innovation that disrupts an existing market and displaces existing technology

*incremental innovation

innovation through a series of small improvements

*entrepreneur

Someone who brings together resources to accomplish something that they can’t do on their own.

Wildfire Effects on Water Systems

• short-term increase in supply volume

• longer term change in supply volumes

• less groundwater recharge

• more flooding

• toxic water quality

• expensive infrastructure replacement

Drought Impacts on Water Systems

• Lower supply

• Impaired quality

• Higher costs

• Conservation mandates

• Damage to infrastructure

• BUT less risk of sewer overflow

Seawater Intrusion Impacts on Water Systems

• levee failures

• corrodes underground infrastructure

• salt water can intrude into aquifers

Economic Drought

occurs when there is a lack of investment in water infrastructure or insufficient human capacity to satisfy the demand of water in areas where the population cannot afford an adequate source of water.