Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
observed globally and in the United States. These include increases in
air and water temperatures, reduced frost days, increased frequency
and intensity of heavy downpours, a rise in sea level, and reduced
snow cover, glaciers, permafrost, and sea ice. . . . These changes will
affect human health, water supply, agriculture, coastal areas, and
many other aspects of society and the natural environment.”
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Weather Woes, Too
It's easy to understand how drought directly restricts supplies of
water. Believe it or not, severe weather—including fl ooding, thun-
derstorms, freezing rain, and snow—can cause problems, too.
Ask the residents of Ames, Iowa, about the hazards of too much
water. They're experts after August 2010 fl ooding left the city out
of water—drinking water, that is. For several days, the city's 55,000
residents, including the University of Iowa, were under a boil-water
advisory or had to rely on bottled water.
In Missouri, a state typically fl ush with water, residents ran
out of drinking water after an ice storm knocked out electricity to
a widespread area. The state's department of natural resources had
to warn residents not to drink the water because the pumps that
moved water through the state's water systems to keep out pollut-
ants and contaminants were powered by electricity. Without oper-
ational pumps, and with extensive broken pipes due to the cold,
drinking water supplies became suspect. It's a catch-22 even when
there's enough water.
Societal Issues, Too
The fundamental issue, then, is how does the United States adjust
to climate change? Hydrometeorologist Richards, along with
many others, think the solution lies in more effective manage-
ment of water, conservation, rethinking how and where we grow
specifi c crops, and more. The issues are challenging and complex.
Scientists need to provide information and tools to ensure all stake-
holders are able to make informed decisions. “Environmental fac-
tors may be less tractable than the societal issues,” Richards says.
