TY - JOUR
T1 - Adaptation of urban water supply infrastructure to impacts from climate and socioeconomic changes
T2 - The case of Hamilton, New Zealand
AU - Ruth, Matthias
AU - Bernier, Clark
AU - Jollands, Nigel
AU - Golubiewski, Nancy
PY - 2007/6
Y1 - 2007/6
N2 - While the relations between climate variables and sectoral water demand have been well established in the literature, few studies have attempted to quantify changes in urban water usage with climate change. Concentrating on the city of Hamilton, New Zealand, we investigate possible water use and infrastructure needs for a range of climate and population projections. We find that water demand (at the monthly aggregate level) is largely driven by changes in population, and not significantly affected by changes in climate. However, as population increases, the effect of climate variables on per capita consumption will be magnified. Monthly aggregate changes may further mask potenially significant short-term shortages. In several scenarios, water supply shortages in 2030 occur with a 30-40% probability, suggesting needs for long-term capacity expansion or aggressive demand side management, rather than implementation of short-term management of water demand.
AB - While the relations between climate variables and sectoral water demand have been well established in the literature, few studies have attempted to quantify changes in urban water usage with climate change. Concentrating on the city of Hamilton, New Zealand, we investigate possible water use and infrastructure needs for a range of climate and population projections. We find that water demand (at the monthly aggregate level) is largely driven by changes in population, and not significantly affected by changes in climate. However, as population increases, the effect of climate variables on per capita consumption will be magnified. Monthly aggregate changes may further mask potenially significant short-term shortages. In several scenarios, water supply shortages in 2030 occur with a 30-40% probability, suggesting needs for long-term capacity expansion or aggressive demand side management, rather than implementation of short-term management of water demand.
KW - Climate adaptation
KW - Infrastructure
KW - Regional climate impact
KW - Urban water demand
KW - Urban water supply
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=34248167079&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11269-006-9071-x
DO - 10.1007/s11269-006-9071-x
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:34248167079
SN - 0920-4741
VL - 21
SP - 1031
EP - 1045
JO - Water resources management
JF - Water resources management
IS - 6
ER -