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As seas rise and rainfall patterns change, will there be enough drinking water to support our current needs and accommodate future growth?
Sea level rise projections are estimating around two feet of sea level rise by 2050, making a flood like that in December 2022 a regular occurrence, placing some of our shoreline communities underwater and some wells unusable due to sea water intrusion. How will this affect water availability and use?
Rainfall patterns are predicted to change over the same period, with more intense rainfall in the winter and hotter, drier summers. How will this affect aquifer recharge and irrigation needs?
At the same time, the county is preparing for an additional 15,000 residents. Where will they live, and will there be enough drinking water?
We’ll attempt to answer these questions and identify areas for further study.
John Lovie is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington State Office of Drinking Water. He is a past president of Whidbey Island Water Systems Association. John remains engaged in drinking water issues throughout the state. John also received the Island County Jan Holmes Coastal Volunteer of the Year Award for 2023, and continues to be engaged in ecosystem and salmon recovery and climate change issues around Puget Sound.
A 12 year resident of Whidbey, John enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and swimming on and around the island, and writing and speaking about his experiences.
