The Pacific Northwest, a famously water-rich region, is facing massive changes in the next 100-years. The effects of climate change and increasing regional growth, combined with our aging infrastructure, will be placing unprecedented strain on our municipal systems. Luckily, the Pacific Northwest is also famous for innovation and forward-thinking citizens. Representatives from two local water utilities, on both the potable water and wastewater side, will discuss their vision for the future of utility water management, especially as it relates to on-site systems such as those provided by Living Buildings. There have been many conversations about the energy grid and how it will respond to decentralized and distributed small systems, but what about the “water grid”?
Learning Objectives: - Identify the specific impacts of climate change on our regional water supply and quality, in addition to the growth patterns that the Pacific Northwest is likely to experience in the next 100-years.
- Analyze the current state and structure of utilities in King County, both for providing clean water and managing wastewater.
- Consider the possible near future changes to utility structures as they incorporate on-site systems.
- Discuss the barriers to progress and as-yet unexplored opportunities, pulling in examples from other jurisdictions around the world.
This session is approved for the following continuing education credits:
- 1.25 LFA credits
- 1.25 AIA LU|HSW credits
