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Description: Many regions of the U.S. are experiencing heavier rain events, dropping more water in shorter periods of time. These events may overwhelm local stormwater infrastructure and cause problems for wastewater systems, in part because much of this infrastructure was designed using precipitation data from several decades ago when weather patterns were drier and storms were generally less intense. Aging and under-maintained infrastructure is also less able to handle these heavy rain events. How can a small stormwater or wastewater system cope with these changing conditions on top of their existing infrastructure challenges?

This webinar will share some of the latest data and tools available to help managers take more recent, and even projected, precipitation information into account when making decisions. It will also feature examples from communities that have worked to assess and incorporate heavier rainfall into their infrastructure design guidelines and maintenance regimes. An overview of potential funding sources for supporting utilities’ adaptation efforts will complete the program.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand why current infrastructure is inadequate for both current and future precipitation patterns
• Learn about data and decision support tools that utilities and communities can use to improve their infrastructure planning, decision-making, and maintenance procedures
• Learn about peer utilities that have taken steps to adapt to heavier rainfall in their stormwater and/or wastewater systems
• Learn about current funding sources that can support infrastructure upgrades

Panelists: 

Stephanie P. Dalke, Program Manager, Water Resources and Climate Adaptation, University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center

Ellen Mecray, Regional Climate Services Director, Eastern Region NOAA/NESDIS/National Centers for Environmental Information

Art DeGaetano, Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Director, NOAA Northeast Regional Climate Center

Steve Fries, Technical Assistance Lead, Creating Resilient Water Utilities Initiative at US EPA

Geneva Gray, Physical Scientist, US Environmental Protection Agency

Certificate: This webinar has NOT been submitted for continuing education credit approval. We can provide a certificate of attendance to eligible attendees but cannot guarantee it will meet your PDH or CEU requirements.

Who Should Attend:

• Managers, owners, and operators of wastewater systems with an average daily flow of less than 1 million gallons
• Decision-makers for wastewater utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city councilors, board members, tribal council members, and clerks
• Consultants and technical assistance providers serving wastewater systems

Partners: