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Large water utilities form climate alliance

Posted at 4:37 PM on 26 Feb 2008

Eight of the largest water agencies in the U.S. have formed the Water Utility Climate Alliance to strategize about dealing with climate change. Together, the eight members provide water to more than 36 million people, whose slaked thirst is endangered by "diminishing snowpack, bigger storms, more frequent drought, and rising sea levels," according to WUCA Chair Susan Leal.

sources: Associated Press, Reuters
see also, in Grist: Climate change leading to water shortages in U.S. West, says study

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Comments: (2 comments)

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Bigger Storms Mean Less Water ?

So, they fear rain?

BTW...how does Mexico get its water...not many snowpacks in Caba...are there?

by jabailo at 6:15 PM on 26 Feb 2008

Flash fllods and groundwater...

jabailo, different areas respond to climate change in different ways, ya know that. While many coastal areas may see increases in precipitation due to increasing tropical systems, there's also a strong possibilty that the interiors will see decreases.

Also, storm systems don't do much good if they're falsh systems. The water runs off too quickly and doesn't do much good. In order to be effective, an increase in precipitation would have to be gradual and take place at a well-timed and relatively equal (with seasonsal accounting) intervals.

As for Mexico, they get most of their water from the ground...aquifers to be precise. Unfortunately, they're withdrawin' it faster than the recharge rate, so they're startin' to run out in certain places. It also causes a large amount of subsidence. Some areas near Mexico city are now sinking almost a foot a year in some places and there's been concern that the subsidence may be causing small tremors in certain places near the surface.

by Tasermons Partner at 7:40 PM on 26 Feb 2008

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