Case Studies | U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit

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Communities, businesses, and individuals are taking action to document their vulnerabilities and build resilience to climate-related impacts. Click dots on the map to preview case studies, or browse stories below the map. Use the drop-down menus above to find stories of interest. To expand your results, click the Clear Filters link.

Sun and clouds over a Walton, NY, lake

A Community Works Together to Reduce Damages from Flooding

The Village of Walton, New York worked with their Soil and Water Conservation District to engage community members in decisions about flooding in their community. The Village eventually took action to restore portions of the floodplain to reduce flooding.

Keene, New Hampshire

Addressing Water Supply Risks from Flooding and Drought

Water managers in Keene, New Hampshire, assessed the vulnerability of their water assets to enhance their resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.

Dense foliage and flowing river

American Rivers: Increasing Community and Ecological resilience by Removing a Patapsco River Fish Barrier

American Rivers created an adaptive management plan to help mitigate and respond to potential risks that could occur while removing the Patapsco River’s Bloede Dam—a significant barrier to river flow and fish passage.

A water reservoir that is mostly dry due to drought.

Drought Response and Recovery Project for Water Utilities in Castine, Maine

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s storymap contains case studies and videos that describe the experiences of small and medium-sized drinking water utilities that successfully responded to drought. Explore the story of Castine, Maine.

Recreational boats on quiet water with seaside homes in background.

Exploring Adaptation Options for Water Infrastructure at Sea Level

In Massachusetts, Manchester-by-the-Sea's wastewater treatment plant is located right on the coast. The town's water utility is working with the EPA's Creating Resilient Water Utilities program to consider its adaptation options.

Mill River Culvert, Old Croton Aqueduct, Tarrytown, New York

Extreme Rainfall Analyses Can Point to Right Size for Culverts

Across most of the United States, the heaviest rainfall events have become heavier and more frequent. New tools can help decision makers choose culverts with appropriate capacities for the future.

Sebago Lake

Green or Gray? Choosing to Preserve Water Quality

Faced with the potential of a large expense related to water quality, the Portland (Maine) Water District performed a thorough analysis of their options. Their choice came down to making an investment in conservation or concrete.

Boston city-scape

Greening Boston: The Climate Change Preparedness and Resiliency Checklist

To build the city's resilience, Boston requires that new buildings and renovation projects follow best practices for climate change adaptation.

Stormwater flows onto street

Improving Water Quality by Dealing with the First Inch of Rain

The suburban city of Mount Rainier, Maryland, is doing its part to improve the water quality of a polluted river in its region: residents and organizations are using green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff.

Skyline city view during the day

Pittsburgh Unifies its Approach to Updating Stormwater Management

When city planners realized the majority of their water quality and flooding issues were all symptoms of ineffective stormwater management, they eliminated departmental silos and adopted an integrated plan closely tied to how the city grows.

Infrastructure at Blue Plains Facility

Protecting Critical Infrastructure in the Nation’s Capital

Changing conditions spur a utility in Washington, D.C., to consider and address its future climate vulnerabilities.

MWRD Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Chicago, Illinois.

Small Water Utility Builds Flood Resilience

Based on their locations, many water and wastewater utilities face an inherent risk of flooding. Here’s how a small drinking water utility recognized its risk and took steps to reduce it.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Using a Sea Level Rise Model to Identify and Prioritize Wetlands for Conservation Acquisition

Staff at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources used the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) to identify high-priority conservation areas that allow for wetland migration and future wildlife habitat.

UVM Students Offer Real-World Climate Recommendations to Vermont Town Screenshot

UVM Students Offer Real-World Climate Recommendations to Vermont Town

The town of Underhill, Vermont, is considering climate-change recommendations developed and presented by some intrepid University of Vermont (UVM) students.

Photo of Lake Sunapee, NH

Watershed Protection Organizations Serve as Catalysts for Adaptation Planning

Two watershed protection organization enlisted local expertise to identify practical and achievable actions to reduce their communities' vulnerability to flooding.

Ned Point Lighthouse, Mattapoisett

Weather Ready Mattapoisett: A Community Prepares for Extreme Weather

Using lessons from the past, this Massachusetts town prepares its residents for a future that includes more intense weather.

View of city buildings with a wide river running through the center.

What if it Happened Here? Boston Takes a Lesson From Houston’s Hurricane Harvey

Faced with the possibility of a storm similar to Hurricane Harvey hitting Boston, the City Mayor had city planners evaluate the resilience of the city's stormwater system to a 500-year storm.