AWWA ACE71101

Much of the current focus on climate change is directed at changes in precipitation and loss of water storage in snow pack. Dr. Peter Gleick of the Pacific Institute indicates that most regions will see wetter wet seasons and drier dry seasons (personal communication). But what is the effect on groundwater recharge in such scenarios? The answer is uncertain, but changes in precipitation and rising sea levels in Florida may pose the most significant problem that will require water users to expand planning and monitoring, and construct protective measures in the coming years. Certainly coastal areas will see migration of seawater into previously fresh aquifers. More rain should increase the potential for percolation, but excessive rain will tend to runoff reducing recharge, which is of particular interest in a state where 93 percent of water use comes from groundwater. This paper outlines the breadth of the climate change issue on groundwater, an area that has received limited attention. Includes 43 references, tables, figures.