Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act of 2013 - Summer

This project analyzes H.R. 765, which proposes a competitive EPA grant program to modernize aging water infrastructure and enhance climate resiliency. Much of U.S. water infrastructure predates World War II, and changing hydrological conditions—intensified droughts, floods, and extreme precipitation—threaten system reliability. The bill prioritizes projects that improve adaptability, reliability, and water quality under climate stress scenarios.

The team reviews scientific projections of hydrological cycle changes, including altered precipitation patterns, increased evaporation, and declining snowpack. Investments in green infrastructure, flood retention systems, and adaptive water management technologies can mitigate climate impacts. Success metrics include system reliability, reduction in emergency repair costs, improved water quality indicators, and enhanced resilience to extreme events. The report concludes that H.R. 765 is a proactive adaptation strategy addressing both infrastructure aging and climate variability. Its effectiveness will depend on equitable grant allocation, integration of climate science into project design, and long-term performance monitoring.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.