Drinking water in a changing climate

The demands on the drinking water supply will increase significantly as an effect of a changing climate. Both the quality and availability of raw water, both surface and groundwater, are directly linked to the climate and changes in the hydrological cycle and indirectly through climate-related events and phenomena in the surrounding environment. Not least, human adaptability and changed behavior as a result of a changed climate can affect the water supply.

The climate in Skåne in 2100

The fact that the temperature and precipitation change means that the conditions for water supply change. SMHI has made calculations of the Scanian climate up to the year 2100. The climate calculations show that the summers will become hotter and drier and the winters warmer and wetter. The annual average temperature is expected to increase by approximately 4 °C to 11 °C and the annual average precipitation is expected to increase by 100–150 mm across the entire county from approximately 800 mm today. Both for temperature and precipitation, the largest increases are expected to occur during the winter.

Heavy rains are likely to increase in intensity, i.e. more rain in a shorter time. The number of days with dry conditions in the soil during the growing season is estimated to increase by 50–80 days per season, while the growing season is extended by 50–70 days.

Skåne's drinking water supply in a changing climate

During 2013, the Skåne Climate Analysis project took place. The aim was to increase knowledge about the impact of climate change on the drinking water supply in a larger regional perspective and to increase awareness of the problem among planners and decision makers.

The project was initiated by Sydvatten and carried out with the support of a working group in which important actors with knowledge of and responsibility for drinking water supply and planning participated. Some of the project’s conclusions were that:

Regional water supply planning is needed and should focus on cooperation, holistic view, long-term perspective and adaptability to meet the challenges we face with ongoing climate change, including increasing risks of more extreme weather situations.

Investments and maintenance should be planned resource-efficiently and in the long term with climate adaptation in mind at all stages.
In order to ensure the highest quality in the drinking water supply even in a changing climate, the operators of the water supply industry should participate actively in research and development.

Objectives of the focus area

By 2025, we will:

Clarify how the different raw waters used in drinking water supply may change when the climate changes.
Clarify which water treatment is needed to cope with the preparation of drinking water when the climate changes.
Determine how the distribution of drinking water is affected by a changing climate