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Climate Change Impacts

Climate Impacts in the Southeast

On This Page:

Overview

Sea Level and Coastal Resources

Water Resources

Human Health

Ecosystems and Agriculture

Key Points

Coastal communities in the Southeast are already experiencing warmer temperatures and the impacts of sea level rise, including seawater flooding.

Higher temperatures and greater demand for water will strain water resources in the Southeast.

Incidences of extreme weather, increased temperatures, and flooding will likely impact human health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Sea level rise is expected to contribute to increased hurricane activity and storm surge, and will increase the salinity of estuaries, coastal wetlands, tidal rivers, and swamps.

Related Links

EPA:

EPA Region 3 (including the Southeast state of VA)

EPA Region 4 (including the Southeast states of AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN)

EPA Region 6 (including the Southeast states of AR, LA, and TX)

EPA Climate Ready Estuaries

Other:

USGCRP: Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States: Southeast

USGCRP: Coastal Sensitivity to Sea-Level Rise: A Focus on the Mid-Atlantic Region

USGCRP: Impacts of Climate Variability and Change on Transportation Systems and Infrastructure - Gulf Coast Study

USGCRP Stories of Change: Coastal Louisiana Tribal Communities - Experiences of a Transforming Environment

NOAA: Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Impacts Viewer

Overview

The Southeast spans diverse landscapes from the Appalachian Mountains to expansive coastal plains.[1] Most states in this region are along either the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in 29,000 miles of coastline.[2] Over 80 million people live in the Southeast, many of whom reside in cities, including Jacksonville, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, and New Orleans. Eleven of the twenty fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation are found here.[3]

The number of days reaching temperatures over 95°F in the Southeast is projected to increase during this century. This graph compares historic patterns from 1971-2000 to future estimates for 2041-2070 under a scenario with high greenhouse gas emissions. Adapted from: USGCRP (2014)[1]

Climate change is causing increases in temperature across the Southeast. Since 1970, average annual temperatures in the region have increased by about 2°F, with the greatest warming occurring during the summer.[1] Temperatures are projected to increase by 4°F to 8°F by the end of the century. There are also more predicted days over 95°F and fewer predicted freezing events. Across the Southeast, temperatures will vary somewhat over space and time. Inland areas are projected to warm more than coasts. Natural cycles, including the El Niño Southern Oscillation, tropical weather systems, and differences in atmospheric pressure across key regions of the Earth, are anticipated to drive short-term temperature fluctuations.[1]

Heavy downpours have also increased in the Southeast. There has also been a substantial increase in the intensity, frequency, duration, and strength of Atlantic hurricane activity since the 1980s, and further increases are projected. However, in addition to some very wet periods, the region has also experienced periods of extreme drying. Projecting future precipitation for the Southeast is challenging because the region lies in the transition between an increasingly wet northern region and a drying southwest.[1] Areas in southwestern portion of the Southeast region may experience drier conditions, while the northeastern areas may experience wetter conditions, with natural variability having a strong influence on patterns across the entire region.[1]

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Impacts on Sea Level and Coastal Resources

Coastal populations and ecosystems in the Southeast are threatened by sea level rise, more intense hurricanes, and storm surge. Rising sea levels are driven by both increased warming of oceans and ground subsidence (sinking).[1][4] Many locations in the Southeast are extremely vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise, including New Orleans and Miami. Projections indicate that sea level will rise more rapidly throughout the rest of this century and is expected to exacerbate existing threats in this region.[1]

The Southeast experiences hurricanes from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricane winds and storm surges have caused extreme damage. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused more than 1,800 deaths, eroded more than 200 square miles of coastal land in Louisiana, and destroyed personal property and public infrastructure.[4] Hurricane Katrina alone caused an estimated $134 billion in damages. Average losses caused by recent hurricane winds, land subsidence, and sea level rise are estimated to be $14 billion per year.[1] These costs are expected to rise in the future.

This map illustrates the levels of risk sea level rise poses along Southeast coastlines, taking into consideration the susceptibility to change and adaptation measures. The Coastal Vulnerability Index used here is based on tidal range, wave height, coastal slope, shoreline change, landform and processes, and historical rate of relative sea level rise. Source: USGCRP (2014)[1]Sea level rise will erode shorelines, inundate wetlands, and impair the operations of coastal infrastructure. Low-lying coastal areas are at higher risk from frequent floods and storm surge. Low-lying inland areas could see increased flooding from rain because stormwater drainage systems are at risk of seawater inundation and slow draining.[1] The Southeast has numerous cities, roads, rail systems, ports, airports, water supplies, and oil and gas facilities located near sea level.[1] Damage to this infrastructure will have large economic impacts.

For more information on climate change impacts on coasts, please visit the Coastal Impacts page.

Sea level rise in South Florida is creating new challenges for coastal water management. This area has an elevation close to sea level, and residents are already experiencing seawater flooding in streets (lower photo). Freshwater supplies may also be threatened as seawater moves closer to existing well fields (left map: pink areas are well field protection areas and the red line is the current interface between saltwater and freshwater). Aging flood control facilities (right map: yellow circles) originally built at the ends of drainage canals to keep saltwater out and provide flood protection are also being threatened by sea level rise.

(Maps from The South Florida Water Management District.14 Photo credit: Luis Espinoza, Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources). (USGCRP 2014)[1]

Click the image to view a larger version.

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Impacts on Water Resources

Water for agriculture, energy production, and use in homes and buildings is expected to decline across most of the Southeast away from the coasts (comparing decadal trends between 2010 and 2060, relative to 2010). The western part of the Southeast region is expected to see the largest water reductions in water availability. The hatched areas indicate where the predicted decrease in water availability associated with the range of climate scenarios is most certain. Modified from USGCRP (2014)[1]In general, the Southeast has had water resources capable of supporting local populations, ecosystems, agriculture, and energy production. However, parts of the region have experienced droughts, and anticipated population growth and changing land-use are likely to add further strain to the water supply.[1] Clean water availability is expected to decline in the future, resulting in new water resource management challenges.

Freshwater availability can be impacted by many climate-related factors.

Higher temperatures increase evaporation and water loss from plants, potentially leading to reduced freshwater availability.

Sea level rise will accelerate the rate of saltwater intrusion into coastal drinking water supplies. This could lead to increased drilling of new wells in inland areas.

Rising temperatures may increase demand for agricultural irrigation water.

For more information on climate change impacts on water, please visit the Water Resources Impacts page.

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Impacts on Human Health

Ground-level ozone is expected to increase across most of the Southeast as temperatures rise. Ground-level ozone, an air pollutant, is a component of smog that is harmful to human health and may increase the likelihood of death. This map shows projected changes in average yearly ground level ozone concentration in 2050 as compared to 2001 in a scenario where greenhouse gas emissions are gradually reduced beginning around mid-century. (Figure source: adapted from Tagaris et al. 200940).

Source: USGCRP (2014)[1]Projected climate change will stress human health in the Southeast.[1] Higher temperatures and more frequent heat waves will increase heat stress, respiratory illnesses, and heat-related deaths. High temperatures also contribute to poor air quality, including the formation of ground-level ozone, which poses a risk to people with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Ground-level ozone is projected to increase in the 19 largest urban areas of the Southeast, likely increasing hospital admissions due to respiratory illnesses, emergency room visits for asthma, and missed school days by children.[1]

Warmer waters have been linked to the spread of some bacteria. For example, food poisoning from eating shellfish infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria is increasing, with new infections being reported over longer time periods during the year. As temperatures increase, the frequency of other climate-sensitive disease outbreaks are also expected to increase.[1] Harmful algal blooms and other disease-causing organisms may affect inland and coastal waters, where these types of events have not previously occurred. More algal blooms could increase rates of ciguatera fish poisoning, an illness caused by eating fish carrying toxins produced by the algae.[1]

An increase in wildfires driven by drought conditions can affect human health through poor air quality and direct injury. Increased flooding and hurricane intensity could also present extreme public health and emergency management challenges.

For more information on climate change impacts on human health, please visit the Human Health Impacts page.

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Impacts on Ecosystems and Agriculture

Warmer air and water temperatures, hurricanes, increased storm surges, and sea level rise are expected to alter the Southeast's local ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

Warmer temperatures could increase the number and intensity of wildfires, as well as outbreaks of damaging forest pests, including the hemlock woolly adelgid.[1] Declining freshwater availability, saltwater intrusion, land loss, drought, and increasing temperatures are expected to stress agricultural crops and decrease yields.[1] Some croplands may be lost entirely to inundation this century while production of crops that need chilling periods, such as many fruits, may need to shift northward with warming temperatures. High temperatures also cause heat stress for dairy cows and livestock and reduce production yields, potentially leading to relocation of these industries, or shifts to more heat-tolerant breeds.

Sea level rise will increase the salinity of estuaries, coastal wetlands, tidal rivers, and swamps. Rapid sea level rise could also eliminate some barrier islands that currently protect inland habitats, while reduction of wetlands increases the potential for loss of important fishery habitat. Ocean warming could affect seafood harvest in the Southeast by changing the species in the region, altering migration patterns and timing of fish presence, or affecting fish growth rates.[1]

To learn more about climate change impacts on ecosystems, visit the Ecosystems Impacts page.

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References

[1] USGCRP (2014). Carter, L. M., J. W. Jones, L. Berry, V. Burkett, J. F. Murley, J. Obeysekera, P. J. Schramm, and D. Wear, 2014: Ch. 17: Southeast and the Caribbean. Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment, J. M. Melillo, Terese (T.C.) Richmond, and G. W. Yohe, Eds., U.S. Global Change Research Program, 396-417.

[2] NOAA (2011). Ocean and Coastal Resource Management in Your State: States and Territories Working With NOAA on Ocean and Coastal Management. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Accessed 6/15/2011.

[3] U.S. Census Bureau (2011). 2010 Census. Accessed 6/4/2015.

[4] USGCRP (2009). Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States. Karl, T.R., J. M. Melillo, and T. C. Peterson (eds.). United States Global Change Research Program. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, USA.

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EPA has developed communication materials that summarize key points from the U.S. Climate and Health Assessment on eight different populations that are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts. Stakeholders are encouraged to use or modify these materials to strengthen their conversations about climate change and health impacts to vulnerable populations.

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Customizable Powerpoint Presentation: Older Adults (.ppt)(10 pp, 2 MB)

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See the Older Adults factsheets below. See communications materials for other populations of concern. For questions or assistance, please email climatehealth@epa.gov.

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      El Cambio Climático y la Salud de los Adultos Mayores (PDF)(4 pp, 4 MB)

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Climate change impacts many different sectors. Click the links below for information about impacts on each sector, or learn about climate change impacts by region or by state.

Additional Human Health Resources:

Map: Climate change and human health risks in your state

Quiz: How much do you know about climate impacts on health?

Factsheet: How will climate change affect my health?

Factsheets: Climate change, health, and populations of concern

Climate Change Indicators: Understanding the link between climate change and human health

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Climate Change Impacts by State

This page contains a series of factsheets which provide an overview of climate impacts by U.S. state and territory.

As our climate changes, every state will become warmer. Aside from rising temperatures, the impacts of climate change are likely to be very different from state to state. Increased rainfall intensity will cause more flooding in some states, while increasingly severe droughts may threaten water supplies in other states. Farms and forests will be less productive in some states, but warmer temperatures may extend growing seasons in others. To learn more about the likely impacts of climate change where you live, click on your state or territory below.

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Climate change impacts all regions of the United States. Click the links below for more information about impacts in each region, or learn about climate change impacts by sector or by state.

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Quiz: How Much Do You Know About the Health Impacts of Climate Change?

Understanding the threats that climate change pose to human health can help us work together to lower risks and be prepared. Take this quiz to see how much you know about the health impacts of climate change. (Text-only version of this quiz.)

Resources:

If you would like to learn more about the health impacts of climate change and what you can do, visit these helpful resources:

U.S. Global Change Research Program - The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment

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Communicating Vulnerabilities to Climate Change: People with Disabilities

EPA has developed communication materials that summarize key points from the U.S. Climate and Health Assessment on eight different populations that are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts. The agency is providing these materials for use and modification for anyone seeking to communicate the health impacts of climate change to a range of audiences.

How to Use these Materials and Summary Points: People with Disabilities (.docx)(6 pp, 1 MB)

Customizable Powerpoint Presentation: People with Disabilities (.ppt)(10 pp, 5 MB)

Shareable graphics (.jpg): [550x375] [1024x512] [1200x630]

See the People with Disabilities factsheets below. See communications materials for other populations of concern. For questions or assistance, please email climatehealth@epa.gov.

      Climate Change and the Health of People with Disabilities (PDF)(4 pp, 4 MB)

      El Cambio Climático y la Salud de las Personas con Discapacidad  (PDF)(4 pp, 5 MB)

      Large Font Version: Climate Change and the Health of People with Disabilities  (PDF)(4 pp, 4 MB)

      Printable (11"x17") Version: Climate Change and the Health of People with Disabilities (PDF)(2 pp, 6 MB)

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Climate Change, Health, and Populations of Concern

All Americans, at some point in their lives, are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Some people are more affected by climate change than others because of factors like where they live; their age, health, income, and occupation; and how they go about their day-to-day lives. Understanding the threats that climate change poses to human health can help us work together to lower risks and be prepared.

EPA has developed communication materials that summarize key points from the U.S. Climate and Health Assessment for eight different populations that are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts. The agency is providing these materials for use and modification for anyone seeking to communicate the health impacts of climate change to a range of audiences.

Communicating vulnerabilities to climate change:

Summary materials from the Climate and Health Assessment

Click on the images below to find communications materials for each population. For summary messages on climate change, health, and all eight populations of concern, download this word document (.docx).

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Climate Impacts on Society

On This Page:

Overview

Vulnerability and Equity

Economic Activities and Services

Overview

Key Points

Climate change will affect certain groups more than others, particularly groups located in vulnerable areas and the poor, young, old, or sick.

Cities are uniquely sensitive to many impacts, especially extreme weather impacts.

Climate change may threaten people's jobs and livelihoods.

As a society, we have structured our day-to-day lives around historical and current climate conditions. We are accustomed to a normal range of conditions and may be sensitive to extremes that fall outside of this range.

Climate change could affect our society through impacts on a number of different social, cultural, and natural resources. For example, climate change could affect human health, infrastructure, and transportation systems, as well as energy, food, and water supplies.

Some groups of people will likely face greater challenges than others. Climate change may especially impact people who live in areas that are vulnerable to coastal storms, drought, and sea level rise or people who live in poverty, older adults, and immigrant communities. Similarly, some types of professions and industries may face considerable challenges from climate change. Professions that are closely linked to weather and climate, such as outdoor tourism, commerce, and agriculture, will likely be especially affected.

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The percentage change in population across the United States from 1970 to 2008. In recent decades, population has grown rapidly in coastal areas and in the southern and western regions of the United States. Source: USGCRP (2009)

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Impacts on Vulnerability and Equity

Related Links

EPA:

Environmental Justice

Environmental Protection in Indian Country

Other:

USGCRP: Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States

USGCRP: Climate Health Assessment

IPCC: Fifth Assessment Report Exit

NRC: America's Climate Choices Exit

Northern Arizona University: Tribes & Climate Change Exit

Projected climate change will affect certain groups of people more than others, depending on where they live and their ability to cope with different climate hazards. In some cases, the impacts of climate change are expected to worsen existing vulnerabilities.

Geographic Location

Where people live influences their vulnerability to climate change.

Over the past four decades, population has grown rapidly in coastal areas and in the southern and western regions of the United States. These areas are most sensitive to coastal storms, drought, air pollution, and heat waves. [1]

Populations in the Mountain West will likely face water shortages and increased wildfires in the future. [1]

Arctic residents will likely experience problems caused by thawing permafrost and reduced sea ice. [1]

Along the coasts and across the western United States, both increasing population and changes in climate place growing demands on transportation, water, and energy infrastructure. [1] [2]

The average temperature on the hottest days (i.e., those that occur only once in 20 years) are projected to increase by the end of the century relative to 1986-2005. Those days will be 10°F to 15°F hotter under the ”continued emissions increases” scenario by 2100. USGCRP (2014)

Thousands of New Orleans evacuees relocated to the Houston Astrodome after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Source: FEMA (2005)Ability to Cope

Different groups have different abilities to cope with climate change impacts.

People who live in poverty may have a difficult time coping with changes. These people have limited financial resources to cope with heat, relocate or evacuate, or respond to increases in the cost of food.[1] [2]

Older adults may be among the least able to cope with impacts of climate change.

Elderly people are particularly prone to heat stress. Source: CDC (2009)Older residents make up a larger share of the population in warmer areas of the United States. These areas will likely experience higher temperatures, tropical storms, or extended droughts in the future.[1] The share of the U.S. population composed of adults over age 65 is also projected to grow from 13% in 2010 to 20% by 2050.[3]

Young children are another sensitive age group, since their immune system and other bodily systems are still developing and they rely on others to care for them in disaster situations.

[2] To find out more about climate change and health, please visit the Health Impacts & Adaptation page.

Indigenous Peoples

 Indigenous communities and tribes are diverse and span the United States. While each community and tribe is unique, many share characteristics that can affect their ability to prepare for, respond to, and cope with the impacts of climate change. These include:

living in rural areas or places most affected by climate change (like communities along the coast)

relying on surrounding environment and natural resources for food, cultural practices, and income

coping with higher levels of existing health risks when compared to other groups

having high rates of uninsured individuals, who have difficulty accessing quality health care

living in isolated or low income communities[2]

Climate change can impact the health and well-being of indigenous tribes in many ways. Climate change will make it harder for tribes to access safe and nutritious food, including traditional foods important to many tribes’ cultural practices. Many tribes already lack access to safe drinking water and wastewater treatment in their communities. Climate change is expected to increase health risks associated with water quality problems like contamination and may reduce availability of water, particularly during droughts.

By affecting the environment and natural resources of tribal communities, climate change also threatens the cultural identities of Indigenous people. As plants and animals used in traditional practices or sacred ceremonies become less available, tribal culture and ways of life can be greatly affected.   Learn more about climate change and the health of indigenous populations.

Urban Populations

City residents and urban infrastructure have distinct sensitivities to climate change impacts.[1] For example, heat waves may be amplified in cities because cities absorb more heat during the day than suburban and rural areas.

Cities are more densely populated than suburban or rural areas. In fact, about 80% of the U.S. population lives in urban areas. As a result, increases in heat waves, drought, or violent storms in cities would affect a larger number of people than in suburban or rural areas.[1]  Higher temperatures and more extreme events will likely affect the cost of energy air and water quality, and human comfort and health in cities.

City dwellers may also be particularly susceptible to vulnerabilities in aging infrastructure. This includes drainage and sewer systems, flood and storm protection assets, transportation systems, and power supply during periods of peak demand, which typically occur during summer heat waves.

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Impacts on Economic Activities and Services

Sugarmaker harvesting maple syrup near Randolph Center, VT. Source: National Archives (1974)Certain areas of the United States benefit from being located close to natural resources that support the local economy. Climate change could threaten these resources, as well as the goods and services they produce and the jobs and livelihoods of those who depend upon them.[1] For example, climate change will likely affect farming communities, tourism and recreation, and the insurance industry.

Communities that developed around the production of different agricultural crops, such as corn, wheat, or cotton, depend on the climate to support their way of life. Climate change will likely cause the ideal climate for these crops to shift northward. Combined with decreasing rural populations, as in the Great Plains, a changing climate may fundamentally change many of these communities. Certain agricultural products, such as maple syrup and cranberries in the Northeast and grapes for wine in California, may decline dramatically in the U.S.[1] These crops would then have to be imported.

Climate change will also likely affect tourism and recreational activities. A warming climate and changes in precipitation patterns will likely decrease the number of days when recreational snow activities such as skiing and snowmobiling can take place. In the Southwest and Mountain West, an increasing number of wildfires could affect hiking and recreation in parks. Beaches could suffer erosion due to sea level rise and storm surge. Changes in the migration patterns of fish and animals would affect fishing and hunting. Communities that support themselves through these recreational activities would feel economic impacts as tourism patterns begin to change.[1]Summertime recreation and tourism is projected to become unfavorable across larger portions of the U.S. by 2050 due to increased July temperatures and humidity. Source: USGCRP (2014)

Click the image to see a larger version.

Climate change may make it harder and more expensive for many people to insure their homes, businesses, or other valuable assets in risk-prone areas, or preclude them from insurance altogether.[1]  Insurance is one of the primary mechanisms used to protect people and communities against weather-related disasters. We rely on insurance to protect investments in real estate, agriculture, transportation, and utility infrastructure by distributing costs across society and build resilience. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods. These changes are likely to increase losses to property and crops, and cause costly disruptions to society. Escalating losses have already affected the availability and affordability of insurance in vulnerable areas.[1]

			Source: NOAA National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI) U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters (2016): https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/time-series

The graphic above helps to visualize how the different types of identified U.S. Billion-dollar disaster events have changed over time. For earlier years, the graphic shows events with less than $1 billion in damage at the time of the event, but after adjusting for Consumer Price Index (inflation), now exceed $1 billion in damages.

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References

[1] USGCRP (2014). Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment. Melillo, Jerry M., Terese (T.C.) Richmond, and Gary W. Yohe (eds.). United States Global Change Research Program.

[2] USGCRP (2016). Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment. Crimmins, A., J. Balbus, J.L. Gamble, C.B. Beard, J.E. Bell, D. Dodgen, R.J. Eisen, N.Fann, M.D. Hawkins, S.C. Herring, L. Jantarasami, D.M. Mills, S. Saha, M.C. Sarofim, J.Trtanj, and L.Ziska, Eds. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC. 312 pp.

[3] U.S. Census Bureau (2011). The Next Four Decades - The Older Population in the United States: 2010. U.S. Census Bureau. P2S-1138

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Climate Change Impacts

Climate Impacts on Water Resources

On This Page:

Overview

Water Cycle and Water Demand

Water Supply

Water Quality

Impacts of Changes in Water Resources on Other Sectors

Key Points

Warming temperatures, changes in precipitation and runoff, and sea level rise have affected and will likely continue to affect water supply and quality.

Changes will vary in different regions of the United States; potential effects include increased flooding and drought, water quality impairment, and salt water intrusion to coastal water supplies.

Changes to our water resources affect many sectors, including energy production, infrastructure, human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Overview

Observed trends in annual surface soil moisture per year between 1988 and 2010 based on satellite data. USGCRP (2014)

Click the image to view a larger version.

Water resources are important to both society and ecosystems. We depend on a reliable, clean supply of drinking water to sustain our health. We also need water for agriculture, energy production, navigation, recreation, and manufacturing. Many of these uses put pressure on water resources, stresses that are likely to be exacerbated by climate change.

Related Links

EPA:

Climate Change and Water

Climate Change and Water: Planning and Management

Learn About Water

Climate Ready Water Utilities

Other:

National Climate Assessment: Water

USGCRP: Climate Change and Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity

IPCC: Fifth Assessment Report Exit

IPCC: Technical Paper on Climate Change and Water Exit

NAS: America's Climate Choices Exit

USGS: Water Resources of the United States

USGS: The Water Cycle

Energy.gov (Information about renewable energy production, including hydroelectricity, by state)

In many areas, climate change is likely to increase water demand while shrinking water supplies. This shifting balance would challenge water managers to simultaneously meet the needs of growing communities, sensitive ecosystems, farmers, ranchers, energy producers, and manufacturers.

In some areas, water shortages will be less of a problem than increases in runoff, flooding, or sea level rise. These effects can reduce the quality of water and can damage the infrastructure that we use to transport and deliver water.

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Water Cycle and Water Demand

The water cycle (shown in the following figure) is a delicate balance of precipitation, evaporation, and all of the steps in between. Warmer temperatures increase the rate of evaporation of water into the atmosphere, in effect increasing the atmosphere's capacity to "hold" water.[1] Increased evaporation may dry out some areas and fall as excess precipitation on other areas.

Changes in the amount of rain falling during storms provide evidence that the water cycle is already changing. Over the past 50 years, the amount of rain falling during very heavy precipitation events has increased for most of the United States.  This trend has been greatest in the Northeast, Midwest, and upper Great Plains, where the amount of rain falling during the most intense 1% of storms has increased more than 30%.[1]  Warming winter temperatures cause more precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow. Furthermore, rising temperatures cause snow to begin melting earlier in the year. This alters the timing of streamflow in rivers that have their sources in mountainous areas.[1]

As temperatures rise, people and animals need more water to maintain their health and thrive. Many important economic activities, like producing energy at power plants, raising livestock, and growing food crops, also require water. The amount of water available for these activities may be reduced as Earth warms and if competition for water resources increases.[1]

Projected changes in the water cycle. Source: USGCRP 2009

Click the image to view a larger version.

Colorado River Water Supply[1][2]

The Colorado River system is a major source of water supply for the Southwest. It supplies water for 33 million people in the cities of Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Denver. Recent droughts, reductions in winter precipitation and snow pack, and warmer, drier springs have caused water supplies in Colorado River reservoirs to decrease. Expected climate change impacts on Colorado River water supply include:

Increased year-to-year changes in water storage in reservoirs are possible, even under current conditions.

Decreased hydropower. For every 1% decrease in streamflow in the Colorado River Basin, there is a 3% decrease in hydroelectric power generation for the region.

Reductions in river discharge and runoff from snowmelt. Annual snowmelt runoff could also shift to earlier in the spring.

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Water Supply

Matching satellite images show the decline in Lake Powell and the Colorado River between 1999 and 2014. NASA (2014)Many areas of the United States, especially the West, currently face water shortages. The amount of water available in these areas is already limited, and demand will continue to rise as population grows. Many areas in the West have experienced less rain over the past 50 years, as well as increases in the severity and length of droughts; this has been especially of concern in the Southwest.[1][3]

In the western part of the United States, less total annual rainfall, less snowpack in the mountains, and earlier snowmelt mean that less water will likely be available during the summer months when demand is highest. This will make it more difficult for water managers to satisfy water demands throughout the course of the year.[2][5]

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Water Quality

Water quality could suffer in areas experiencing increases in rainfall. For example, in the Northeast and Midwest increases in heavy precipitation events could cause problems for the water infrastructure, as sewer systems and water treatment plants are overwhelmed by the increased volumes of water.[1] Heavy downpours can increase the amount of runoff into rivers and lakes, washing sediment, nutrients, pollutants, trash, animal waste, and other materials into water supplies, making them unusable, unsafe, or in need of water treatment.[2] For information about how climate change and water quality affect public health, visit the Health Impacts & Adaptation page.

Heavy rain in 2004 damaged the city water system in Asheville, North Carolina. Source: USGCRP (2009)Freshwater resources along the coasts face risks from sea level rise. As the sea rises, saltwater moves into freshwater areas. This may force water managers to seek other sources of fresh water, or increase the need for desalination (or removal of salt from the water) for some coastal freshwater aquifers used as drinking water supply.[1] In addition, as more freshwater is removed from rivers for human use, saltwater will move farther upstream. Drought can cause coastal water resources to become more saline as freshwater supplies from rivers are reduced. Water infrastructure in coastal cities, including sewer systems and wastewater treatment facilities, faces risks from rising sea levels and the damaging impacts of storm surges.[2]

Coastal Water Supply [1][4][5][6][7]

The quality of water supply in coastal and island regions is at risk from rising sea level and changes in precipitation. Rising sea level and the occurrence of drought can increase the salinity of both surface water and ground water through salt water intrusion.

For example, the freshwater Everglades currently recharge Florida's Biscayne aquifer, a natural underground area that collects water and is the primary water supply to the Florida Keys. If rising sea levels submerge low-lying areas of the Everglades, portions of the aquifer would become saline. Sea level rise can also push salty water upstream in coastal areas, threatening surface water supplies. Aquifers in New Jersey east of Philadelphia are recharged by fresh portions of the Delaware River, which become saline during severe droughts.

Freshwater resources on some islands, especially small islands and atolls, can be limited, as supply depends on shallow aquifers, which are recharged by precipitation. These freshwater lenses float on top of the saltwater, and rising sea level diminishes the area above sea level in which the lens can reside. (For more detailed information, see the illustration on page 158 of this Climate Change Science Program Report(320 pp, 7.6 M, About PDF)). Sea level rise can turn these shallow aquifers brackish through saltwater intrusion and droughts reduce the water available from other sources, further stressing these limited water supplies.

The Biscayne Aquifer provides almost all of the freshwater for the Keys, Miami, and the lower East Coast of Florida. Although a small part of the aquifer is beneath salty mangrove area, most of it is recharged by the freshwater Everglades. As sea level rises, saltwater will invade part of the Everglades, threatening both that ecosystem and the aquifer that lies beneath it.

Source: EPA (2002)

Click the image to view a larger version.

Impacts of Changes in Water Resources on Other Sectors

The impacts of climate change on water availability and water quality will affect many sectors, including energy production, infrastructure, human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. For more information on these impacts, please visit the following sectoral impacts pages:

Agriculture

Ecosystems

Energy

Human Health

International

Society

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References

[1] USGCRP (2014). Georgakakos, A., P. Fleming, M. Dettinger, C. Peters-Lidard, Terese (T.C.) Richmond, K. Reckhow, K. White, and D. Yates. Ch. 3: Water Resources. Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment, J. M. Melillo, Terese (T.C.) Richmond, and G. W. Yohe, Eds., U.S. Global Change Research Program, 69-112.

[2] CCSP (2008). The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity in the United States. A Report by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the Subcommittee on Global Change Research. Backlund, P., A. Janetos, D. Schimel, J. Hatfield, K. Boote, P. Fay, L. Hahn, C. Izaurralde, B.A. Kimball, T. Mader, J. Morgan, D. Ort, W. Polley, A. Thomson, D. Wolfe, M. Ryan, S. Archer, R. Birdsey, C. Dahm, L. Heath, J. Hicke, D. Hollinger, T. Huxman, G. Okin, R. Oren, J. Randerson, W. Schlesinger, D. Lettenmaier, D. Major, L. Poff, S. Running, L. Hansen, D. Inouye, B.P. Kelly, L Meyerson, B. Peterson, and R. Shaw. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA.

[3] USGCRP (2014). Walsh, J., D. Wuebbles, K. Hayhoe, J. Kossin, K. Kunkel, G. Stephens, P. Thorne, R. Vose, M. Wehner, J. Willis, D. Anderson, S. Doney, R. Feely, P. Hennon, V. Kharin, T. Knutson, F. Landerer, T. Lenton, J. Kennedy, and R. Somerville. Ch. 2: Our Changing Climate. Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment, J. M. Melillo, Terese (T.C.) Richmond, and G. W. Yohe, Eds., U.S. Global Change Research Program, 19-67.

[4] IPCC (2014). Jimenez, B.E., T. Oki, N.W. Arnell, G. Benito, J.G. Conley, P. Döll, T Jiang, and S.S. Mwakalila. Freshwater resources. In: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Field, C.B., V.R. Barros, D.J. Dokken, K.J. Mach, M.D. Mastrandrea, T.E. Bilir, M. Chatterjee, K.L. Ebi, Y.O. Estrada, R.C. Genova, B. Girma, E.S. Kissel, A.N. Levy, S. MacCracken, P.R. Mastrandrea, and L.L.White (eds.) Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.

[5] CCSP (2009). Coastal Sensitivity to Sea-Level Rise: A Focus on the Mid-Atlantic Region. A Report by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the Subcommittee on Global Change Research. Titus, J.G. (Coordinating Lead Author), Anderson, K.E., Cahoon, D.R., Gesch, D.B., Gill, S.K., Gutierrez, B.T., Thieler, E.R., Williams, S.J. (Lead Authors). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA.

[6] NRC (2008). Ecological Impacts of Climate Change. National Research Council. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, USA.

[7] CCSP (2008). Preliminary Review of Adaptation Options for Climate-Sensitive Ecosystems and Resources. A Report by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the Subcommittee on Global Change Research. Julius, S.H., J.M. West (eds.), J.S. Baron, B. Griffith, L.A. Joyce, P. Kareiva, B.D. Keller, M.A. Palmer, C.H. Peterson, and J.M. Scott (authors). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA.

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Climate Change Impacts

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Climate Impacts Home

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Climate Change Impacts

Climate Change and Human Health Risks in Your State

On This Page

Risks to Human Health by State

Resources by Climate and Health Impact

Risks to Human Health by State

Climate change poses risks to human health. In the United States, we are already seeing rising temperatures, increased frequency and intensity of some types of extreme weather, sea level rise, and other changes in weather and climate patterns (for more, see EPA's climate indicators).

We are all vulnerable to the health impacts associated with climate change. However, these climate and health risks vary across the country. Click on the map below or use the drop-down menu to learn about examples of climate-related health risks in your state and actions you can take to reduce these risks. Find additional resources for your area below the map.

Resources by Climate and Health Impact

Climate Change and Human Health

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment, Ch. 9: Human Health
						Available in both web-based and downloadable PDF formats, this chapter of a larger report on U.S. climate impacts summarizes research on how climate change will affect Americans' health and well-being (37 pages).
						U.S. Global Change Research Program, pp. 220-256. 2014.

Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment
						Available in both web-based and downloadable PDF formats, this in-depth report provides comprehensive information on observed and projected changes to human health in the United States related to climate change (332 pages).
						U.S. Global Change Research Program. 2016.

EPA Populations of Concern Fact Sheets
						Eight fact sheets on groups especially vulnerable to climate impacts on health, including children, pregnant women, indigenous peoples, elderly, low income and minority groups, occupational groups, disabled, people with pre-existing conditions (1-4 pages each).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation. 2016.

EPA Quiz: How Much Do You Know About the Health Impacts of Climate Change?
						An online, 10-question, shareable quiz to test for knowledge on the impacts of climate change on human health.
						United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation. 2016.

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
						A website with links to interactive tools, data sources, and other information related to climate impacts (1 page).
						National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Air Quality

Allergies

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Treatments for Environmental Allergies
						A web page providing a general overview of medications available to control allergy and asthma symptoms (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institute of Health. April 2015.

Types of Allergies: Pollen Allergy
						A web page on managing pollen-related allergies (1 page).
						American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2014.

Asthma

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Asthma Triggers: Gain Control
						A website on how to reduce exposure to common asthma triggers (9 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. October 2015.

What is Asthma?
						A web page with general information about asthma (3 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. January 2016.

Ozone and Air Pollution

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Air Now: Air Quality Guide for Ozone
						A web page (and downloadable PDF) on ground-level ozone that explains how to interpret and use air quality index reports (2 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation.

Air Now: Air Compare
						A web page presenting resource links to help people compare their air quality to other localities (1 page).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Air and Radiation. February 2016.

Air Now: Today's AQI Forecast
						A website delivering nationwide daily air quality forecasts (1 page).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation.

Climate Change Decreases the Quality of the Air We Breathe (PDF, 2 pp, 110 KB)
						A factsheet with tips on preparing for climate impacts on air quality.
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Public Health Association. 2016

Ozone and Your Health (PDF, 2 pp, 2.5 MB)
						A web page briefly explaining health risks associated with ground-level ozone.
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Environmental Health. April 2014.

Ozone and Your Health (Fact Sheet) (PDF, 2 pp, 2.5 MB)
						A factsheet briefly explaining health risks associated with ground-level ozone.
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. February 2009.

Ozone Pollution
						A website on ground-level ozone and related EPA air quality standards (4 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. February 2016.

Smog – Who Does it Hurt? What You Need to Know about Ozone and Your Health (PDF, 10 pp, 818 KB)
						A publication presenting basic information about ground-level ozone and its health risks.
						United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation. July 1999.

Summertime Safety: Keeping Kids Safe from Sun and Smog (PDF, 2 pp, 174 KB)
						A factsheet describing actions families can take to protect children from overexposure to sun and air pollution.
						United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation. September 2010.

Valley Fever

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Ten Things to Know about Valley Fever
						A web page on valley fever, a fungal respiratory disease common in the Southwest (8 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 2014.

Wildfires

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Wildfires
						A web page with resource links to help people prepare for wildfires (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 2015.

How Smoke from Fires can Affect Your Health (PDF, 2 pp, 278 KB)
						A brochure on health risks related to smoke from fires.
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Air and Radiation. May 2003.

Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
						A web page with tips to decrease risk from wildfire smoke (3 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 2016.

Ready Website: Wildfires
						A web page with basic safety instructions to follow in the event of a wildfire (4 pages).
						U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Wildfires: Information for Pregnant Women and Parents of Young Infants
						A web page with basic safety instructions to help pregnant women and families with infants prepare for potential wildfire-related evacuations (2 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2015.

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Extreme Weather Events

Drought

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Drought and Your Health
						A web page on the short- and long-term health effects of drought (3 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 2016.

When Every Drop Counts: Protecting Public Health During Drought Conditions–A Guide for Public Health Professionals (PDF, 56 pp, 5 MB)
						A report to help public health officials understand and contend with the health impacts of drought.
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Environmental Health Services. July 2012.

Infrastructure Disruption

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Drinking Water and Wastewater Resilience
						A website for utility professionals with information and resources to help protect water infrastructure (1 page).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. January 2015.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Electrical Safety and Generators
						A web page with tips to prevent and respond to post-disaster electrocution (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 2014.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Remediation and Infection Control Considerations for Reopening Healthcare Facilities Closed Due to Extensive Water and Wind Damage
						A webpage with guidance to help healthcare facilities reopen safely after a natural disaster (10 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 2014.

General Information for Disaster Preparedness and Response
						A web page on disaster preparedness and response for individuals and communities (5 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. December 2015.

Storms and Flooding

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: After a Hurricane
						A web page with post-hurricane safety tips (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Protection. May 2014.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Flood Water After a Disaster or Emergency
						A web page with tips to avoid health risks and hazards of standing flood water (3 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Protection. February 2011.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Floods
						A website with resource links and other information on flood readiness (2 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Protection. September 2013.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Hurricanes and Other Tropical Storms
						A website on how individuals, families, and response workers can prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms (2 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 2015.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Key Facts about Flood Readiness
						A web page on how to prepare for flooding (4 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Protection. April 2015.

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit: Extreme Events
						A web page with links to interactive tools, data sources, and other information related to extreme weather (5 pages).
						National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Extreme Rainfall and Drought (PDF, 2 pp, 97 KB)
						A factsheet with tips on preparing for the health impacts of extreme precipitation.
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Public Health Association. 2016.

Flooding
						A web page with tips on protecting yourself before, during, and after floods (3 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Hurricanes
						A web page with tips on protecting yourself before and after hurricanes (3 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. December 2015.

Ready Website: Floods
						A web page on how to respond to flood watch or warning alerts (3 pages).
						U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Seek Help/Contact Information

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Emergency Management Agencies
						A web page listing contact information for state-level emergency management agencies (17 pages).
						U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA. June 2016.

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Food Safety and Nutrition

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency
						A web page on food and water safety during an emergency (6 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 2014.

Protect Food and Water During Storms
						A web page with information and resources to ensure safe food and water during storms (3 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. January 2016.

Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods (PDF, 4 pp, 654 KB)
						A factsheet with food and water safety advice to use before, during, and after extreme weather.
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. November 2015.

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)-Associated Illnesses
						A web page on illnesses related to contaminated seafood and marine toxic poisoning (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 2016.

Food Safety: Information for Consumers
						A web page with information and resource links on food safety for consumers (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. October 2015.

Vibrio Species Causing Vibriosis
						An FAQ web page with general and technical information on a type of bacteria found in shellfish, particularly oysters (2 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 2016.

Heat Events

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Climate Change and Extreme Heat Events (PDF, 20 pp, 3.4 MB)
						A guidebook summarizing research on health risks related to extreme heat events and how to respond to them.
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health.

Extreme Heat Can Impact Our Health in Many Ways (PDF, 2 pp, 107 KB)
						A factsheet with tips on preparing for the health impacts of heat waves.
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Public Health Association. 2016.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Extreme Heat
						A website with tips on preventing heat-related illness (2 pages).
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response. July 2016.

Fact Sheet Extreme Heat (PDF, 2 pp, 107 KB)
						A factsheet on preventing heat-related health emergencies.
						U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA.

Power Failures in Hot Weather
						An audio public service announcement on what to do during a power outage in hot weather (30 seconds).
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response. June 2012.

Preparedness Tip: Food – Perishables
						An animated public service announcement with an important food safety tip (10 seconds).
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response. July 2015.

Stay Healthy and Safe in Hot Weather
						An audio public service announcement with safety tips for hot weather (30 seconds).
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response. June 2012.

Extreme Heat and Your Health
						A web page listing tips for preventing heat-related illness (2 pages).
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response. July 2016.

Seek Help/Contact Information

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

CDC-INFO
						A web page for the CDC National Contact Center with details on how to contact CDC by telephone or email (1 page).
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2016.

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

After the Storm: Tips for Adults (PDF, 1 pp, 47 KB)
						A factsheet on how to maintain healthy relationships in the wake of a traumatic natural disaster.
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
						A web page on help available coping with distress after a natural disaster (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 2016.

Disaster Mental Health for Responders: Key Principles, Issues, and Questions
						A web page with mental health guidance and tips for disaster response workers (4 pages).
						California Department of Public Health.

Helping Children and Adolescents Deal with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do
						Available in both web-based and downloadable PDF formats, this brochure offers guidance to parents of children coping with disasters (10 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health. 2013.

Preparedness Tip: Helpline
						An animated public service announcement about the 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline (10 seconds).
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response. July 2015.

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Insect-Carried Diseases

Mosquito-carried Diseases

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Avoid Mosquito Bites
						A web page with tips for international travelers to protect against mosquito-carried illnesses (5 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2016.

Climate Change Increases the Risk of Vector-Borne Diseases (PDF, 2 pp, 111 KB)
						A factsheet with tips on preparing for the climate impacts on diseases carried by insects and ticks.
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Public Health Association. 2016.

Controlling Adult Mosquitoes
						A web page on mosquito pesticides (4 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. March 2015.

Find the Insect Repellent that is Right for You
						An interactive tool for selecting an appropriate insect repellant (1 page).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. February 2016.

Mosquito Control
						A website on protecting against mosquito-carried illnesses (12 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. February 2016.

Mosquito Misting Systems
						A web page on outdoor residential misting systems for pesticides (5 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. November 2015.

Remove Mosquito Habitats
						A web page with tips on removing standing water from around your home (1 page).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. March 2015.

West Nile Virus
						A web page on how to protect against mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus (2 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 2015.

Tick-carried Diseases

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Natural Tick Repellents and Pesticides
						A web page on all-natural compounds that repel or kill ticks (5 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 2015.

Preventing Ticks Bites on People
						A web page with basic tips on preventing tick-carried illnesses (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 2015.

Preventing Ticks in the Yard
						A web page on managing ticks in your yard (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2016.

Symptoms of Tickborne Illness
						A web page on signs of tick-carried illnesses (3 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 2015.

Ticks and Lyme Disease (PDF, 2 pp, 1.1 MB)
						A factsheet with health information on Lyme Disease.
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tips to Prevent Tick Bites
						A web page with basic tips on preventing tick-carried illnesses (1 page).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. November 2015.

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Water-Related Illness

Title
						Description
						Author/Date

Cleaning & Preparing Personal Water Storage Containers
						A web page with information about containers for safely storing drinking water (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2016.

Creating & Storing an Emergency Water Supply
						A web page with resource links and other information helpful when creating an emergency water supply (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2016.

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)-Associated Illness
						A web page compiling downloadable materials to help local health organizations dealing with harmful algal blooms (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 2016.

Drinking Water Contaminant Human Health Information
						A web page for water professionals with resource links and other information on drinking water standards and advisory documents (3 pages).
						United States Environmental Protection Agency. January 2016.

Emergency Water Supply Preparation
						A web page listing resource links to help you prepare an emergency water supply (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2016.

Finding Other Water Sources in an Emergency
						A web page on potential alternate sources of drinking water during an emergency (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2016.

Making Water Safe in an Emergency
						A web page on how to make contaminated water safe to drink (6 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. January 2016.

Vibrio Species Causing Vibriosis
						An FAQ web page with general and technical information on a type of bacterial infection that can happen when swimming in contaminated seawater with an open wound (5 pages).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 2016.

Warmer Water and Flooding (PDF, 2 pp, 183 KB)
						A factsheet with tips on preparing for climate impacts on water quality.
						Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Public Health Association. 2016.

Water, Sanitation & Environmentally-related Hygiene: Information for the Public
						A website with resource links on good hygiene practices (1 page).
						U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 2015.

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The examples of risks and actions provided on this site are not comprehensive. They provide users with illustrative impacts and resources for further information. Examples were selected based on relevance to the state or region and representation of a diversity of health threats. Selection does not imply ranking of severity of impacts nor prioritization of actions. The examples of impacts in this map are based on "The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment," and the National Climate Assessment. State impacts from these two sources are summarized in Climate and Health Resources.

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