In August 2022, torrential rainfall in Mississippi led to floodwaters spilling into the suburbs of Jackson, leaving tens of thousands of residents without clean drinking water for weeks. This event serves as a warning for America’s aging and crumbling water infrastructure, which is not equipped to handle the challenges of rising sea levels, hotter summers, and heavy rains.
To better understand the issue, CNN examined five cities or regions across the country that show signs of vulnerability under a rapidly warming planet.
1. Buffalo, New York Buffalo, New York, experienced a worst-case scenario last year when a devastating winter storm dropped over 50 inches of snow on the city, knocking out power, making roads impassable, and killing 46 people.
2. Prichard, Alabama Prichard, Alabama, faces similar issues, including intensifying storms, leaking water lines, and racial injustice.
3. St.Louis, Missouri Lead pipes, which were banned in 1986 due to lead poisoning risks, are still present in cities like St. Louis, Missouri, which has experienced a population decline since its peak. These pipes can leach toxic chemicals into the water supply, which is dangerous for children and can damage their blood cells and nervous system. Climate change has led to more intense flooding and storms, which can damage older, weaker water systems like St. Louis. The state of Missouri is fourth in terms of lead service lines per capita.
4. California In California, rising sea levels and California’s whiplash weather have caused saltwater intrusion, making water undrinkable. This threat increases during droughts, storm surges, and floods, as groundwater is over-pumped from coastal aquifers, disrupting the balance between inland freshwater and ocean water. Climate change also increases the potential for weather whiplash, dramatic shifts in periods of drought and high precipitation, making saltwater intrusion an increasing threat for people living along the coast.
Read also : World Drowning Prevention Day: a Reminder To Creating Safer Environments
5. Puerto Rico In Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria left much of the island territory without power for months, and its water infrastructure relies heavily on the electric grid to operate. The infrastructure is even more vulnerable due to its lifespan and disrepair, with 60% of the city’s water mains in San Juan being over 50 years old. Older pipes are more likely to leak and break, potentially triggering water shortages and water quality problems.
Source: news.lee.net
