Extended Abstract (44K)1.3
The California Water Delivery System: Impacts of Climate Variability
Douglas Osugi, California Department of Water Resources, Sacramento, CA
An increase in temperature from global climate change will have a substantial effect on California water resources, including water supply, flood control operations, Delta levees, instream flows, and Delta water quality. Hydrology related impacts include larger extreme precipitation events, changes in stream runoff patterns due to reduced snowpack, sea level rise, and increased flood flows. Potential demand side impacts include higher irrigation requirements for crops, however an increase in carbon dioxide could be beneficial to many common crops. The California Water Plan, Update 2003 will include a significant chapter on the implications of global climate change on the status and operation of California's existing and planned water system infrastructure, and future water supply and management. The Update 2003 65-member public Advisory Committee have identified climate change as one of the key drivers and constraints for considering future water management scenarios and generated greater expectations for DWR to collect additional data, conduct additional analyses, and use more sophisticated planning tools and models.
Session 1, Perspectives on Impacts and Response Options in North America
Monday, 10 February 2003, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
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