Drexel Study Projects More Water Shortfalls in Schuylkill Watershed in Next 20 Years Due to Climate Change
Drexel Study Projects More Water Shortfalls in Schuylkill Watershed ... Drexel University
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Sustainable Development Goals and Water Shortfalls in the Schuylkill Watershed
Introduction
A recent study conducted by Drexel University’s College of Engineering highlights the potential impact of climate change on water availability in the Schuylkill Watershed, which includes Philadelphia. The research predicts that localized weather impacts of climate change could lead to as many as 82 additional days of water shortfalls in the next two decades. This article examines the findings of the study and emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Projections and Implications
The study, published in the journal Water, is the first to analyze the combined effects of climate change and land use changes on the natural processes that replenish the Schuylkill watershed. The projections indicate that due to more frequent extreme weather events associated with climate change, the watershed may only be able to meet water demand about 67% of the time, a decrease of 22% from its current reliability. This reduction in streamflow and groundwater stores could lead to drought-like conditions, impacting various sectors such as drinking water, irrigation, transportation, energy generation, recreation, and aquatic ecosystems.
Research Methodology
The research team, led by Dr. Mira Olson, utilized a mathematical modeling environment to simulate streamflow based on current watershed management policies. They incorporated data on population, land use, climate, soil, and precipitation models to make their projections. The modeling environment allowed them to analyze the effects of future climate conditions on the water supply in the Schuylkill watershed.
Key Findings
The study revealed that an increase in extreme precipitation events was the primary factor contributing to projected water shortfalls. This is because the soil and land cover within the watershed limit water absorption and storage capacity. While steady rain over a prolonged period can replenish the watershed, intense downpours result in water runoff that is not captured and stored. Additionally, climate data indicates that the Philadelphia region will experience more extreme weather events and less precipitation overall during warm seasons from 2020 to 2040.
Water Management Strategies
The study emphasizes the need for water management authorities to adjust policies governing reservoir releases to meet downstream demand in the watershed area. Current resource management practices do not account for the increasing number of extreme precipitation events, population growth, and land cover changes that lead to more runoff instead of water retention. Watershed management requires a careful balance between stored water and intentional release from reservoirs to compensate for extended dry periods in the hydrological cycle.
Regional and Global Implications
The findings of this study align with projections and conditions experienced across North America, including dangerously low levels in reservoirs serving southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. While the impact on Philadelphia may not be as severe, the study serves as a warning to reevaluate the region’s water management strategy. Addressing climate change impacts at a regional level allows for preparations that can mitigate water shortages and other challenges associated with climate change.
Future Research and Recommendations
The authors suggest that future research should focus on modeling development that incorporates green infrastructure and includes detailed data on future climate and land use projections. They also recommend improving models to incorporate regional differences in population growth trends, providing a higher resolution understanding of the watershed’s future. Collaborative efforts in system and policy adaptation are crucial for a more resilient and sustainable future in the Schuylkill Watershed.
This research was funded by the William Penn Foundation through the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
Read the full paper here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
- SDG 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Water shortfalls: The number of days with water shortfalls can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 6.4.
- Streamflow and groundwater stores: The reduction in streamflow and groundwater stores can be used as indicators to measure progress towards SDG 6.4 and SDG 15.1.
- Extreme precipitation events: The increase in extreme precipitation events can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 13.1 and SDG 13.3.
- Low-flow conditions and evaporation: The occurrence of more frequent low-flow conditions in streams and bodies of water, coupled with higher temperatures and increased evaporation, can be used as indicators to measure progress towards SDG 6.4 and SDG 15.1.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. | – Number of days with water shortfalls – Reduction in streamflow and groundwater stores |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Increase in extreme precipitation events |
| 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | – Increase in extreme precipitation events | |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | – Reduction in streamflow and groundwater stores – Occurrence of more frequent low-flow conditions in streams and bodies of water – Increase in evaporation |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: drexel.edu
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