Proper water management can help us deal with climate change more effectively

Jul 31, 2012 18:41 GMT  ·  By
Water resources specialist teaches us about overcoming extended drought periods
   Water resources specialist teaches us about overcoming extended drought periods

Not very long ago, we talked about how global warming is bound to make drought periods last longer. As well as this, we reported on how heavy rainfalls and floods might also soon be a thing of the day.

It is not difficult to imagine that such extreme weather manifestations will take their toll on our society's water supplies.

However, water resources specialist Jane Frankenberger now brings us somewhat good news. Apparently, by implementing the appropriate water management strategies, the new weather patterns brought about by climate change can be more easily dealt with in an efficient manner.

Taking into consideration US's geography and demographics, Jane Frankenberger explains how, depending on which water sources various communities rely most heavily on, local citizens will experience the effects of present and future droughts in different ways.

Thus, Indianapolis and several other regions which mainly exploit surface rivers and reservoirs will be the most affected by the climate change, seeing how their water sources are the least dependable when it comes to getting locals through extended periods of drought.

On the other hand, urban and rural areas, which have their water demands met by means of water sources, are bound to feel the pressures of climate change later on.

As reported by Purdue University, the specialist argued that, “It takes years for rain to get into groundwater; therefore, it takes years before the shortage of rain would actually affect the groundwater. So those communities probably don't feel the effects quite as dramatically.”

Nevertheless, efforts must be made to conserve this natural resource on a national scale, by resorting to strategies such as cutting down on how much water each household or business used on a daily basis, and investing in infrastructure which helps collect rainwater whenever it happens to fall.

Apparently, Jane Frankenberger also believes that, “The drought is a wake-up call to remember to not take our water resources for granted but to think about conservation, to think about how our community is planning for using them wisely in the future.”

Those wishing to learn more about how communities can work together to fight back the effects of global warming can watch the video below.