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Operational Resilience – EPA's Flooding Mitigation Resources

Operational Resilience – EPA's Flooding Mitigation Resources

Created: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 15:43
Categories:
Federal & State Resources, General Security and Resilience, Natural Disasters

As we prepare for the end of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season at the end of the month, the risk of flooding from extreme precipitation events and other natural hazards remains a chief concern for water and wastewater utilities. To help utilities manage their flood risk, WaterISAC is sharing resources from EPA and other organizations.  

As WaterISAC highlighted in its 2024 “Threat Analysis Report,” climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including strong precipitation that leads to flooding. Accordingly, most areas of the continental U.S. are projected to experience greater flood risk in a warming climate going forward. Last year, for example, a First Street Foundation study found that larger parts of the U.S. can expect to experience “1-in-100 year flood” events with greater frequency. Highlighting the threat to critical infrastructure, an AP analysis found about one-third of wastewater facilities in the U.S. would be at risk of flooding if an extreme precipitation event hit their area today. Many drinking water utilities will also likely face similar vulnerabilities as flood risks continue to grow. Read more at EPA.

To help utilities prepare for flooding events, WaterISAC encourages its members to review the following free EPA resources, as well as resources from other government agencies and private sector organizations: