Climate change is a pressing issue that is already impacting communities around the world. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are experiencing warmer temperatures, drier summers, and more frequent extreme weather events like heat waves and wildfires. These changing conditions pose a challenge for providing clean and reliable water to residents. As we face a changing climate, it is crucial to invest in and maintain a modern, resilient water system to ensure that we can continue to deliver high-quality water every minute of every day for years to come.
The Portland Water Bureau is taking proactive steps to adapt to the impacts of climate change on our water supply. By integrating climate change response into our strategic planning process, we are better prepared to address the challenges that lie ahead. Our robust secondary water supply, the Columbia South Shore Groundwater Well Field, provides us with a reliable source of water that can be used to supplement our main supply during times of high demand or emergencies. This secondary source increases our resilience to climate change and helps us meet the needs of our customers even in the face of uncertain conditions.
Climate models project a future with a warmer Northwest, characterized by hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters. These changes will have significant implications for our water supply, which relies heavily on seasonal rainfall in the Bull Run Watershed. Despite the reliable rainfall in the watershed, we are already seeing the impacts of a warming climate, including decreasing summer streamflows and increasing water temperatures in streams. Our researchers have conducted climate modeling that indicates future challenges, such as lower snow volumes, earlier snowmelt, and higher winter peak streamflows.
To address these challenges, we have been working diligently to understand and prepare for the impacts of climate change on our water system. Our Seasonal Water Supply Augmentation and Contingency Plan helps guide our management of the drinking water system and prepares us to meet a range of supply and demand conditions. Additionally, our collaboration with research institutions and climate scientists, as well as our participation in the Water Utility Climate Alliance, allows us to stay informed about the latest developments in climate science and adaptation strategies.
In partnership with City of Portland bureaus and other local public agencies, we are actively working to reduce carbon emissions and develop climate-resilient strategies for the region. By tracking and reporting our operational carbon emissions, energy use, and renewable energy generation, we are able to set more aggressive goals to respond to the climate emergency. Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint aligns with the City of Portland’s Climate Emergency Declaration and demonstrates our dedication to sustainability and resilience in the face of a changing climate.
As we continue to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate, it is essential that we prioritize the resilience of our water system. By investing in smart planning, maintaining a diverse set of water sources, and collaborating with partners at the local and national level, we can ensure that we are well-prepared to provide clean and reliable water to our community for years to come.