Evaluation of changes in average and peak water demand by the Quebec residential sector due to climate change in different urban settings

The project aims to answer the following question: What effects will climate change have on future residential potable water consumption in southern Quebec?

Project details

Scientific program

Programmation 2020-2028

Theme(s) and priority(s)

Water Availability

Start and duration

February 2025 • March 2027

Project Status

Starting

Linked project

QClim’Eau

Principal(s) investigator(s)

Sophie Duchesne

INRS-ETE

Context

Due to climate change, the demand for potable water in Quebec is likely to change in the coming decades due to rising temperatures and longer periods without rain. In this context, municipalities and RCMs in Quebec must anticipate these changes in order to manage water sustainably and to maintain and develop drinking water and wastewater infrastructure that meets the public’s needs.

Objective(s)

The main objective of the project is to develop recommendations so that Quebec ministries, municipalities and RCMs can take the impacts of climate change into account in their projections of future residential potable water consumption.

Methodology

A critical review of previous studies on the impact of climate change on average and peak residential water consumption in Quebec and elsewhere in the world
Identification of the knowledge that Quebec municipalities require to better manage future water needs and better understand the available data on potable water consumption
Quantification of the impact of various meteorological variables on the observed average and peak residential potable water consumption for southern Quebec
Estimated percent change in average and peak residential water demand due to climate change over 30, 50 and 75 year horizons
Quantification of the impacts of various urban features on the change in residential water demand due to climate change
Development of recommendations for municipalities and RCMs in southern Quebec to enable them to estimate the impact of climate change on residential water consumption

Expected results

This project will produce recommendations for Quebec ministries, municipalities and RCMs concerning the percent change in future residential potable water consumption related to climate change for a range of urban settings in southern Quebec. An advisory workshop for municipal employees will support the adjustment of methods and tools to meet the needs.

Benefits for adaptation

The simple resources developed in a Quebec context will raise awareness among decision-makers and technical staff of the effect of climate change on residential water consumption.