How are Wastewater Systems Adapting to Climate Change?

by Shannon Pepper | Oct 27, 2023 | Risk and Resiliency to Climate Hazards, Wastewater

Severe storms and flooding can cause problems for wastewater systems whenever they occur, but these events are happening more frequently and with more intensity due to climate change. The impacts of these events on wastewater systems are not limited to more frequent...

The Impacts of Changing Precipitation Patterns on Wastewater and Stormwater Systems

by Shannon Pepper | Oct 2, 2023 | Resilience, Risk and Resiliency to Climate Hazards

Many regions of the U.S. are experiencing heavier rain events that drop more water in shorter periods of time, and these trends are projected to strengthen over the coming decades. These events may overwhelm local stormwater infrastructure and cause problems for...

Flood Disaster Lessons and Mitigation Successes at a Small Wastewater System in Vermont

by Shannon Pepper | Aug 11, 2023 | Risk and Resiliency to Climate Hazards

Many communities’ wastewater treatment plants and related infrastructure are located in or near floodplains, which makes sense given how these facilities work. However, this also means that they are prone to flooding. The Town of Waterbury, Vermont experienced...

The Future of Septic Systems in Rural Coastal Areas: Considering the Options

by Shannon Pepper | Jul 13, 2023 | Decentralized Wastewater Systems, Risk and Resiliency to Climate Hazards

Decentralized or “on-site” wastewater treatment systems, commonly referred to as septic systems, are a common method of treating wastewater in rural areas that do not have access to centralized sewer service. These systems treat wastewater for a single property or a...

Saltwater Intrusion: Should Your Utility Be Concerned?

by Shannon Pepper | May 1, 2023 | Risk and Resiliency to Climate Hazards

  Saltwater intrusion in the U.S.: a growing threat to water and wastewater utilities  Nobody likes getting a huge gulp of seawater. Not only is it not fun to drink, but it also has negative impacts on our health, infrastructure, and environment.  Saltwater...

The Threat of Wildfires: Impacts on Local Water and Wastewater Systems

by Shannon Pepper | Dec 20, 2022 | Risk and Resiliency to Climate Hazards, Source Water Protection

Tune in for a discussion of how wildfires impact wastewater and drinking water systems. As climate change further exacerbates natural disasters, water and wastewater systems will be put at greater risk for service and infrastructure failure or malfunction. In this...