Anacortes, WA, is rebuilding its water treatment plant to enhance resilience against climate change threats such as flooding and saltwater intrusion. The facility’s capacity will increase from 21.4 mgd to 31.5 mgd. Adaptation strategies include elevating infrastructure, employing waterproofing techniques, and designing flood protection measures, with an estimated cost of $56 million.
The city of Anacortes, Washington, is enhancing its water treatment plant to address vulnerabilities associated with climate change. The facility, which serves 56,000 residents and is located along the Skagit River, previously operated at a capacity of 21.4 million gallons per day (mgd) but will be updated to a capacity of 31.5 mgd. Due to cost concerns regarding relocation from the floodplain, the plant will be rebuilt on its current site while integrating adaptive designs to mitigate climate risks.
In order to assess vulnerabilities, Anacortes officials collaborated with non-profits to gather the most current climate science relevant to the site. They identified several climate risks that may affect the plant, including more frequent storms, saltwater intrusion, and higher sedimentation levels. Projections indicated major threats such as an expanded floodplain, increased sediment load in winter, and salt water encroachment from rising sea levels.
To safeguard against flooding, the design includes several critical features. These involve minimizing construction below the 100-year flood elevation, elevating essential electrical equipment, employing waterproofing techniques, and constructing ring dikes for flood defense. The reconstruction has an estimated budget of $56 million and aims to better equip the facility for both increased demand and the anticipated impacts of climate change.
Anacortes, WA, is proactively addressing the climate vulnerabilities of its water treatment facility by upgrading its capacity and resilience measures. By utilizing scientific assessments and adaptive designs, the city is fortifying its infrastructure against the adverse effects of climate change, ensuring long-term serviceability for its community. This strategic rebuilding will not only improve capacity but also enhance protection against future climate-related risks.
Original Source: www.epa.gov
