Climate Resilience Investment Tool for Water Utilities

Water utilities need to prepare for floods and droughts while maintaining reliable, affordable service. For a Water Research Foundation project managed by CIS, Radbridge interviewed utilities to understand how they weigh adaptation investments alongside other capital priorities. The project covers drinking water and stormwater utilities and considers infrastructure improvements alongside changes to operations, policies, and programs.

Our work includes an analytical framework, an Excel-based tool, and support for four utility case studies. The framework is designed to help utilities set measurable goals, compare expected benefits and costs, and assess options within their available resources. Planned guidance and worked examples will help staff apply the approach and explain investment choices to boards, residents, and funding partners.