Engineering case studies
WUCA has developed a suite of engineering case studies that showcase how the water sector is applying climate adaptation in practice, by using climate change information in engineering design and project delivery processes. These case studies were motivated by requests from engineers across WUCA utilities who requested concrete examples of how other water sector professionals are integrating climate change information into on-the-ground projects. Spanning from Seattle, Washington to Miami, Florida and Copenhagen, Denmark, the case studies demonstrate how engineers and water managers are applying climate change data and information to redesign facilities and assets, increase levels of climate resilience, and reduce risks to infrastructure. While climate adaptation best practices continue to mature, these examples offer practical approaches for designing engineering projects for a changing climate.
Case studies were developed in partnership with the utilities and operators profiled, and project contacts are provided in each case study to facilitate follow-up and enable interested readers to learn more about implementing similar measures or approaches.
Ship Canal Water Quality Project
Location: Seattle, Washington
Utility: Seattle Public Utilities
Climate impacts: Extreme Rainfall
Colorado Dam Safety Program Dam Design
Location: State of Colorado
Utility: Colorado Department of Natural Resources
Climate impacts: Extreme Rainfall
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
Location: Miami, Florida
Utility: Miami-Dade Water and Sewer
Climate impacts: Sea Level Rise
Sea Level Rise Capital Planning Guidance
Location: San Francisco, California
Utility: City and County of San Francisco
Climate impacts: Sea Level Rise
Climate Resiliency Standard Operating Procedure
Location: New York City, New York
Utility: New York Department of Environmental Protection
Climate impacts: Sea Level Rise and Extreme Events
Drinking Water Cooling System
Location: Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Utility: Tarrant Regional Water District
Climate impacts: Extreme Heat
Low Lake Level Pumping Station
Location: Southern Nevada
Utility: Southern Nevada Water Authority
Climate impacts: Drought
Cloudburst Management Plan
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Utility: The City of Copenhagen
Climate impacts: Extreme Rainfall
Note
Case studies were developed with Dr. Heidi Roop, University of Minnesota, and the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group.