OKLAHOMA COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLAN: CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON WATER DEMAND

摘要

Like many states across the U.S., Oklahoma faces serious challenges in balancing, managing, and planning for the use ofrnits water resources under potential variability in future climatic conditions. A key component to prepare for the future isrndeveloping a water demand forecast under climate change scenarios for the largest water-using sectors across the state. Thisrnpaper and presentation describes the methodology used to develop county-level municipal and industrial (M&I) andrnagriculture irrigation water demands under climate change scenarios. Preliminary results of the forecast for 2030 and 2060rnare provided, along with a discussion of how results are used to screen for potential water supply shortages and shape thernstate’s water policy over the next 50 years. This work is being conducted in development of the 2011 OklahomarnComprehensive Water Plan update, which is directed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board in joint agreement with thernU.S. Army Corps of Engineers.