Anticipated climate changes will impact Maryland in a number of ways.  Potential impacts include higher temperatures, increased flooding, shifting precipitation patterns, increased runoff, more dry periods and droughts, rising sea levels, more frequent and more intense storms, changes in water demand, and deteriorated water quality.

Water utilities need to assess the potential vulnerability of their systems to climate change to determine measures to mitigate or avoid the impacts from climate change.  These measures are referred to as “adaptation” measures or strategies.  Adaptation measures are needed for water systems to continue to meet both water quantity and water quality requirements now and in the future, and to protect their infrastructure from physical damage. 

• MDE WSA Climate Adaptation Website​
  
• MDE Action on Climate Change
• Phase II Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Maryland's Vulnerability to Climate Change
• EPA Climate Ready Utilities
• EPA Climate Resilience Evaluation & Awareness Tool
• Climate Change Action for Maryland Water Utilities 

For More Information
For more information, contact the Water Supply Program at 410-537-3702 or water.supply@maryland.gov​​​​