Impacts of meteorological extreme events on safety of drinking water supply in Austria (StartClim2005.A4)

In recent years meteorological extreme events have caused emergency and disaster situations for drinking water supply in Austria. Consequently the following phenomenons could be observed: Storm water events with partial destruction of the infrastructure and heavy impact on the water quality in the distribution system, and long term deterioration of raw water quality in the water shed. Long lasting dry and warm periods, which result in local water scarcity and unacceptable warming of water flow in the distribution system, connected with increased risk for meeting drinking water quality standards. In the study the specific problems in Austria will be documented, with reference to the different infrastructure of water supply – on site water supply, water cooperatives, water supply in communities and urban areas. The safety of water supply systems regarding diversity and vulnerability of water sources and vulnerability of technical infrastructure and also the question of a second supporting leg will be of great importance, when evaluating the impacts of extreme events and suggesting solutions. The issue of frequency development of deteriorating impacts from extreme events on safe water supply and the development of strategies and measures for emergency management and provision are central results of the study. The project is a thematic part of the StartClim2005 Program. The work out of the project and the results are referring to the StartClim2005 program