Building Climate Resilience in Wastewater Treatment Systems
Wastewater treatment systems are affected by extreme rainfall, flooding, heat, drought, sea level rise, power outages, and changing influent conditions. Climate resilience means the system can continue operating, recover quickly, and reduce risk to public health and receiving waters.
Resilience priorities
- Protect critical electrical, controls, and pump assets from flooding.
- Evaluate peak wet weather flow and bypass risk.
- Plan backup power and emergency operations.
- Improve monitoring, alarms, and remote visibility.
- Consider water reuse and storage to reduce pressure on potable supplies.
Planning approach
Start with a vulnerability assessment. Identify the most likely disruptions, the highest consequence assets, and the upgrades that provide the most benefit per dollar spent.
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