Sierra Club Water Sentinels
Climate Change and Water Resources
Climate disruption is intensifying water shortages and threatening our water quality.
Higher water temperatures reduce river, stream, and lake levels. Lower water levels concentrate existing pollutants, while warmer water reduces dissolved oxygen in the water, threatening aquatic life.
More frequent and intense droughts are threatening cities and rural areas alike, leading to restrictions on water use from coast to coast. Reservoirs have dropped to dangerously low levels, damaging crops, and creating conflicts over dwindling water resources. One-third of all counties in the lower 48 states will likely face water shortages by mid-century if climate disruption goes unchecked.
The frequency and extent of flooding are also on the rise. There have been eight major floods in the United States since 2008, and some 10 million homes and nearly $400 billion in property are now considered at risk. At the same time, rising sea levels will degrade water quality as saltwater intrudes into coastal rivers, bays, and ground water.
Taking action to address these issues is more important than ever.
We hope you will join us.
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