Climate change impacts and strategies for adaptation for water resource management in Indiana

Climatic Change
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Changes to water resources are critical to all sectors of the economy. Climate change will affect the timing and quantity of water available in the environment as well as have an adverse effect on the quality of that water. Floods, droughts, and changing patterns of water scarcity—when water is not available in sufficient enough quantities or of a suitable quality at the right time to fulfill demand—are all critical factors when considering how and where Indiana will be able to economically develop in the future. Management of water resources will become even more important as different sectors try to minimize the risk of water scarcity in the face of increasing climate variability. This paper focuses on observed changes to Indiana’s water resources and how the availability and quality of those resources are likely to change in the face of future climate. Generally, Indiana is becoming wetter but with the projected increase coming primarily in the winter and spring. Summer water use will increase the likelihood of water shortages and the need for improved water management. In particular, Indiana may benefit from investment in methods to increase short-term storage of water—retaining more of the overabundance from winter and spring to relieve summer shortages.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Climate change impacts and strategies for adaptation for water resource management in Indiana
Series title Climatic Change
DOI 10.1007/s10584-021-02979-4
Volume 163
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center
Description 21, 20 p.
Country United States
State Indiana
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details