Water Utility Study

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Water Research Foundation (WRF) convened a series of eight regional workshops across the U.S. to improve the delivery of information resources and build resilience to climate change in small- to medium-size communities. The workshops focused on water system managers – including community drinking water and wastewater utility managers, stormwater managers, urban planners, and public works departments. An additional stand-alone webinar on water equity was hosted with the US Water Alliance. Each workshop was organized by regional partners and tailored to address issues identified in each region. Over 900 people participated, yielding important perspectives on the regional differences in culture, climate, water systems, challenges, and innovations. Many of NOAA’s water-related tools were demonstrated, and a variety of regional presenters shared their experiences, tools, information, and expertise that benefit attendees as well as organizers.

Results focused on lessons learned from participants’ experiences, and information and research that participants indicated they needed to cope with the changing climate. Results converged around four areas: managing stormwater and flooding, managing water supply, promoting equity in service delivery, and supporting capacity building and financing. Participants were also asked for feedback on NOAAs tools, information, and websites. Their insights point to ways NOAA can improve its delivery of information to support water resource management in small- to medium-sized communities, especially as they work to build their resilience to climate change.