DENVER, CO, Apr. 13, 2009 -- The Water Research Foundation, the nation's leading water research organization, has launched a beta version of its website dedicated to providing scientific information and practical advice about climate change's impact on water. The site will be a "one-stop shop" for water utilities and the public seeking information about this rapidly changing topic. The site is part of the Foundation's sustained, multi-year effort to evaluate the impact of climate change on water and help solve the challenges it poses to our nation's water suppliers.
>> Visite the Climate Change Clearinghouse website
"Our climate change clearinghouse provides a much needed service: it distills scientifically credible, available knowledge and offers an in-depth view of the topic. It also provides practical, hands-on guidance for water utilities," said Robert C. Renner, the Foundation's executive director. "In the long run, we hope users will visit the site not only to get the latest information, and tools, but also to share insights, experiences and lessons-learned relating to the management of climate change."
The climate change clearinghouse provides an overview of existing knowledge about climate change, including fundamentals of climate change science, and effects of climate change on the water cycle. Users can find case studies about how leading water utilities have incorporated climate change into their strategic planning. The site also includes links to relevant information and activities of other organizations and federal agencies.
The Foundation will continue to add information to ensure that the site is relevant and current. In the long run, the site will be a hub of social networking tools to help users share information as the state of climate science evolves.
About Climate Change and Water
Scientists agree that ongoing changes in our global climate will impact the environment and freshwater resources, and that the effects of such changes are already being felt in some places. Climate change is likely to trigger unpredictable rains and floods in some areas, making it more challenging to treat and store water. In other areas, hotter weather and decreased precipitation will likely reduce water supply and increase consumer demand. Ultimately, less water may impact our communities, agricultural production, and economic development.
The Water Research Foundation leads the water supply industry in climate change research. We have sponsored a large body of research on energy management and sustainable water dating to the early 1990s, and also initiated the first research aimed specifically at climate change impact on water in 2003 -- long before the issue made headlines. Our partners in Europe and Australia have provided case studies that teach best practices.
Founded in 1966, the Water Research Foundation (formerly AwwaRF) is an international, 501c(3) nonprofit organization that sponsors research to enable water utilities, public health agencies and other professionals to provide safe and affordable drinking water to the public. With more than 950 subscriber members who provide water for 80 percent of the U.S. population, the Water Research Foundation has funded and managed more than 1,000 projects.
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