Health × Inland Flooding
Inland flooding is the result of intense precipitation over a short period, prolonged moderate precipitation over several days, or melting snowpack (U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, 2017). In short, more precipitation and/or freshwater enters a community than can be moved or absorbed by its stormwater systems and natural systems (such as wetlands and rivers). Inland flooding is more common in areas adjacent to rivers or other bodies of water, in low-lying areas, and in developed areas where water is less able to drain effectively.
Early Massachusetts communities were often located for their access to a river, and many have historic downtowns, main streets, or industrial zones that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Developed areas, even away from a river or body of water, may also flood during more intense precipitation events, when water cannot soak into the soil and undersized stormwater infrastructure backs-up and overflows.
As the climate changes, more
frequent and heavier rain or snowstorms increase the risk of inland flooding,
which can impact many of the factors that sustain health in a community: food sources, access to jobs and healthcare
services, safe and reliable infrastructure, and cultural and gathering spaces
that support a sense of community, health, and wellbeing.
Community
health is a term
that embodies the notion that supporting or maintaining good health involves
more than doctor visits – health and wellbeing for those living in
a similar geographic area is the result of environmental and social factors
such as the availability of preventative care, steady job opportunities, safe
and reliable infrastructure, affordable and safe housing, and nutritious,
culturally appropriate foods (Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 2020).
Flooding threatens community health because it disrupts access to care, goods, or services
(e.g., dialysis centers or pharmacies may be damaged or inaccessible, closed
roads may impact emergency services), safety in the home (e.g., unstable power
supply for refrigeration and medical equipment, heating and cooling, as well as
increased risk of mold and carbon monoxide poisoning) and poses a risk to those
directly exposed. Moreover, flooded communities have been found to experience greater depression, anxiety, and PTSD one year after flooding than communities affected by but not directly flooded (MCCA, 2022, Volume II Appendix A, p. A11).
Building and sustaining community health, both in terms of individual health and a resilient healthcare system, will support communities’ ability to withstand – and more quickly recover from – flood events.
Inland flooding is the result of intense precipitation over a short period, prolonged moderate precipitation over several days, or melting snowpack (U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, 2017). In short, more precipitation and/or freshwater enters a community than can be moved or absorbed by its stormwater systems and natural systems (such as wetlands and rivers). Inland flooding is more common in areas adjacent to rivers or other bodies of water, in low-lying areas, and in developed areas where water is less able to drain effectively.
Early Massachusetts communities were often located for their access to a river, and many have historic downtowns, main streets, or industrial zones that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Developed areas, even away from a river or body of water, may also flood during more intense precipitation events, when water cannot soak into the soil and undersized stormwater infrastructure backs-up and overflows.
As the climate changes, more
frequent and heavier rain or snowstorms increase the risk of inland flooding,
which can impact many of the factors that sustain health in a community: food sources, access to jobs and healthcare
services, safe and reliable infrastructure, and cultural and gathering spaces
that support a sense of community, health, and wellbeing.
Community
health is a term
that embodies the notion that supporting or maintaining good health involves
more than doctor visits – health and wellbeing for those living in
a similar geographic area is the result of environmental and social factors
such as the availability of preventative care, steady job opportunities, safe
and reliable infrastructure, affordable and safe housing, and nutritious,
culturally appropriate foods (Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 2020).
Flooding threatens community health because it disrupts access to care, goods, or services
(e.g., dialysis centers or pharmacies may be damaged or inaccessible, closed
roads may impact emergency services), safety in the home (e.g., unstable power
supply for refrigeration and medical equipment, heating and cooling, as well as
increased risk of mold and carbon monoxide poisoning) and poses a risk to those
directly exposed. Moreover, flooded communities have been found to experience greater depression, anxiety, and PTSD one year after flooding than communities affected by but not directly flooded (MCCA, 2022, Volume II Appendix A, p. A11).
Building and sustaining community health, both in terms of individual health and a resilient healthcare system, will support communities’ ability to withstand – and more quickly recover from – flood events.
Questions to Answer
These questions and guided explorations are designed to assist you with thinking about how inland flooding may impact health in your community. Use the Health x Inland Flooding worksheet to assist you when answering these questions.
These questions and guided explorations are designed to assist you with thinking about how inland flooding may impact health in your community. Use the Health x Inland Flooding worksheet to assist you when answering these questions.
Inland
flooding threatens community health both during the initial flooding event’s
impacts and when standing water and property damage remain after the storm has
passed.
At the
household level, flooding can result in structural damage (such as cracks in
the foundation or warped floorboards), gas and sewage leaks, broken water
supply lines, saturation of floors and walls, as well as damage to electrical
systems, heating and cooling systems, and appliances, exposing residents to
unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.
Flood water
can contain sewage, petrochemicals, fertilizers, other hazardous or chemical
wastes (such as household cleaning products), as well as bacteria, viruses, and
parasites. Exposure to contaminated flood water can cause infections, rash,
gastrointestinal illnesses, and tetanus. Individual households dealing with the
impacts of flooding will also confront a taxing clean-up and recovery process
that can deplete emotional and physical resources.
The
increased moisture from longer periods of wet weather and flooding contributes
to mold growth. Mold can persist, even after the flooding has subsided and
homes have dried out. Mold exposure causes symptoms like congestion, wheezing,
fatigue, and skin rashes, and can cause severe reactions for people with
respiratory diseases like asthma.
At the
community level, flooding can lead to power outages and transit or road
closures, making it both difficult and dangerous to access important services
such as pharmacies, grocery stores, community centers, hospitals, and emergency
services. Damage to buildings can extend the inaccessibility of these places. During
flood events, it can be dangerous to be on the road. Some of the most common
flood injuries and deaths occur when vehicles drive into hazardous flood waters
- as little as six inches of water can cause people to lose control of their
vehicles (CDC, 2022).
The uncertainty – of safety, stable income,
ability to connect with friends and family, and the ability to access essential
goods and services – can be difficult on our mental health and can result in
conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety (SHMCAP, 2018, p. 4-213).
Guided Exploration:
This exploration will have you think about how flooding affects the
health of residents in your community. The DPH Emergency Preparedness Populations Planning Tool provides information on priority populations,
facility locations, and demographics within selected areas. Open the tool and
select your geography for a report that may help you consider the following
questions. Alternatively, the GEAR Health Map provides similar data,
if you are more familiar with the GEAR map format. Consider and discuss:
- What is the capacity within your community to sustain good health before, during, and after a flood? Are there adequate public health services, such as municipal public health services, community health centers, and other community health organizations in your community?
- Are healthcare facilities located in your community or do people have to travel elsewhere?
- Would flooding cut off routes or transportation services that people rely on to access healthcare?
Imagine more frequent or widespread flooding in your community. Which of the following direct impacts would be most problematic? Which impacts are your community well-prepared to manage?
- Injuries from flooding?
- Rates of homeownership in areas prone to flooding?
- The average age of housing units located within areas prone to flooding?
- Impacts to hospitals and health centers in the community (e.g. facility closure, reduced access, reduced services, evacuation of patients, reduced staff levels, etc.)?
- Impacts to other important community sites, such as schools and places of worship?
- Impacts to shelters?
- More vector-borne disease (resulting from more standing-water breeding grounds from mosquitos and pests)?
- Pervasive mold growth in residences and other buildings?
- Power outages?
- Communications system outages (e.g., internet, telephone, cable, emergency)?
- Sewage overflows?
- Drinking water supply or quality issues?
- Stress and other mental health impacts?
Read More About Related Impacts in the Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment:
- Increase in Vector Borne Diseases Incidence and Bacterial Infections page A36 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns; Eastern Inland; Boston Harbor; Cape, Islands, & South Coast)
- Emergency Service Response Delays and Evacuation Disruptions page 45 (top impact Statewide; Boston Harbor; North & South Shores; Cape, Islands, and South Coast)
- Reduction in Clean Water Supply page A60 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns; Cape, Islands, & South Coast)
- Increase in Mental Health Stressors page A9
Inland
flooding threatens community health both during the initial flooding event’s
impacts and when standing water and property damage remain after the storm has
passed.
At the
household level, flooding can result in structural damage (such as cracks in
the foundation or warped floorboards), gas and sewage leaks, broken water
supply lines, saturation of floors and walls, as well as damage to electrical
systems, heating and cooling systems, and appliances, exposing residents to
unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.
Flood water
can contain sewage, petrochemicals, fertilizers, other hazardous or chemical
wastes (such as household cleaning products), as well as bacteria, viruses, and
parasites. Exposure to contaminated flood water can cause infections, rash,
gastrointestinal illnesses, and tetanus. Individual households dealing with the
impacts of flooding will also confront a taxing clean-up and recovery process
that can deplete emotional and physical resources.
The
increased moisture from longer periods of wet weather and flooding contributes
to mold growth. Mold can persist, even after the flooding has subsided and
homes have dried out. Mold exposure causes symptoms like congestion, wheezing,
fatigue, and skin rashes, and can cause severe reactions for people with
respiratory diseases like asthma.
At the
community level, flooding can lead to power outages and transit or road
closures, making it both difficult and dangerous to access important services
such as pharmacies, grocery stores, community centers, hospitals, and emergency
services. Damage to buildings can extend the inaccessibility of these places. During
flood events, it can be dangerous to be on the road. Some of the most common
flood injuries and deaths occur when vehicles drive into hazardous flood waters
- as little as six inches of water can cause people to lose control of their
vehicles (CDC, 2022).
The uncertainty – of safety, stable income,
ability to connect with friends and family, and the ability to access essential
goods and services – can be difficult on our mental health and can result in
conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety (SHMCAP, 2018, p. 4-213).
Guided Exploration:
This exploration will have you think about how flooding affects the
health of residents in your community. The DPH Emergency Preparedness Populations Planning Tool provides information on priority populations,
facility locations, and demographics within selected areas. Open the tool and
select your geography for a report that may help you consider the following
questions. Alternatively, the GEAR Health Map provides similar data,
if you are more familiar with the GEAR map format. Consider and discuss:
- What is the capacity within your community to sustain good health before, during, and after a flood? Are there adequate public health services, such as municipal public health services, community health centers, and other community health organizations in your community?
- Are healthcare facilities located in your community or do people have to travel elsewhere?
- Would flooding cut off routes or transportation services that people rely on to access healthcare?
Imagine more frequent or widespread flooding in your community. Which of the following direct impacts would be most problematic? Which impacts are your community well-prepared to manage?
- Injuries from flooding?
- Rates of homeownership in areas prone to flooding?
- The average age of housing units located within areas prone to flooding?
- Impacts to hospitals and health centers in the community (e.g. facility closure, reduced access, reduced services, evacuation of patients, reduced staff levels, etc.)?
- Impacts to other important community sites, such as schools and places of worship?
- Impacts to shelters?
- More vector-borne disease (resulting from more standing-water breeding grounds from mosquitos and pests)?
- Pervasive mold growth in residences and other buildings?
- Power outages?
- Communications system outages (e.g., internet, telephone, cable, emergency)?
- Sewage overflows?
- Drinking water supply or quality issues?
- Stress and other mental health impacts?
Read More About Related Impacts in the Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment:
- Increase in Vector Borne Diseases Incidence and Bacterial Infections page A36 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns; Eastern Inland; Boston Harbor; Cape, Islands, & South Coast)
- Emergency Service Response Delays and Evacuation Disruptions page 45 (top impact Statewide; Boston Harbor; North & South Shores; Cape, Islands, and South Coast)
- Reduction in Clean Water Supply page A60 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns; Cape, Islands, & South Coast)
- Increase in Mental Health Stressors page A9
Some
populations are more vulnerable to experiencing inland flooding because of
their location – including people living in floodplains, near waterways and
waterbodies, and in other at-risk locations (like highly developed areas, where
land cover is mostly buildings and pavement). Others are more vulnerable to the
impacts because of existing health, social, and economic conditions. Both of
these forces can occur simultaneously, resulting in the accumulation of complex
stressors that make it even more challenging to respond and recover from
climate events (Massachusetts Environmental Public Health Tracking).
For
example, renters and people with high housing costs relative to their income
will be highly affected. These populations are less likely to have access to
resources for flood-proofing their homes or can’t make modifications to their
homes because they don’t own them. Those living in older homes with poorer air
circulation and insulation can have higher levels of mold, which is especially
risky for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma. The
burden of asthma in the United States falls disproportionately on people with
low-income, senior adults, and Black, Hispanic/Latino and American
Indian/Alaska Native people (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2020). Those with heating systems
located in their basements are more likely to experience outages and use
generators – which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if used improperly.
People with
chronic illnesses are more likely to use medications and medical devices, and
have more health maintenance visits (e.g., dialysis, physical therapy). These
visits and activities are disrupted when power supplies and transportation
infrastructure is disrupted. People without access to a personal vehicle have a
more difficult time evacuating if necessary.
Additionally,
prolonged flooding and other climate disasters can create significant mental
and emotional stress for emergency workers and health care providers. Flooding
may also impact facilities directly and make it difficult and dangerous for
commuting healthcare staff to get to and from facilities. Providing care for high volumes of patients
for prolonged periods of time without relief can result in reductions in health
care quality and availability, which is risky for providers, patients, and
their families.
Guided Exploration:
The following exploration will guide you through the Massachusetts Department
of Public Health (MA DPH) webpage on health impacts of climate change. In doing
so, you’ll think about how flooding disproportionately affects certain
populations in your community, and you’ll locate essential information for
climate resilience planning and action.
- Open the Department of Public Health’s webpage on health impacts from climate change and click the square button (top right) titled “Climate-Enhanced Community Profile” (or click this link to go directly to the profile tool).
- Select your community from the list and open the report (either in your web viewer or as a PDF).
At the top of your Community Profile is some basic population, land use, and demographic information. The lower half of the report discusses health outcomes in your community. While you’ll have perhaps discovered some of this information in other GEAR guided explorations, discuss the following, and pay attention to the text in the orange bubbles in the PDF – they provide guiding information to consider connections between environment, climate change, and health:
- What is the age breakdown in your community?
- How might these populations be affected by health impacts of inland flooding?
- Are there people who might not be able to receive warnings about flooding events in advance?
- Are certain age groups concentrated in clusters around your community? (DPH hosts a Vulnerability Mapping Tool that illustrates this information, or you can visit the GEAR Health Map).
Now, consider the above questions specifically for members of your community:
- with one or more disabilities
- with lower incomes
- living below the poverty line
- identifying as People of Color
- with limited English proficiency
- without high school diplomas, college experience, or advanced degrees
- who are isolated and might not have an inherent tendency to trust local officials
Which other priority populations come to mind for your specific community? Where do they live?
Have you engaged with priority populations in your community regarding how they deal with inland flooding, and what they think could help build resilience? What kinds of adaptation would have the greatest impact? For example:
- Changes to the physical environment to prevent flooding or lessen its impacts?
- Public health programs that will improve community health before a flood and support the capacity of health and community-based organizations during and after floods?
- Strategies that can promote community inter-dependency and trust?
Consider which of the following resources you have in your community that support overall health and wellness:
- What are ways to make these sites more accessible so that they can increase overall health and readiness for everyone in your community?
- What are ways to make these sites more resilient to inland flooding so communities can count on them when needed (e.g., improvements, retrofits)?
- What are some ways to strengthen the connection and relationship between your community’s governing bodies and these sites?
- Be sure to explore the Actions to Consider section of this Guide for some ideas.
Read More About Related Impacts in the Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment:
- Increase in Vector Borne Diseases Incidence and Bacterial Infections page A36 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns; Eastern Inland; Boston Harbor; Cape, Islands, & South Coast)
- Emergency Service Response Delays and Evacuation Disruptions page 45 (top impact Statewide; Boston Harbor; North & South Shores; Cape, Islands, and South Coast)
- Reduction in Clean Water Supply page A60 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns; Cape, Islands, & South Coast)
Some
populations are more vulnerable to experiencing inland flooding because of
their location – including people living in floodplains, near waterways and
waterbodies, and in other at-risk locations (like highly developed areas, where
land cover is mostly buildings and pavement). Others are more vulnerable to the
impacts because of existing health, social, and economic conditions. Both of
these forces can occur simultaneously, resulting in the accumulation of complex
stressors that make it even more challenging to respond and recover from
climate events (Massachusetts Environmental Public Health Tracking).
For
example, renters and people with high housing costs relative to their income
will be highly affected. These populations are less likely to have access to
resources for flood-proofing their homes or can’t make modifications to their
homes because they don’t own them. Those living in older homes with poorer air
circulation and insulation can have higher levels of mold, which is especially
risky for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma. The
burden of asthma in the United States falls disproportionately on people with
low-income, senior adults, and Black, Hispanic/Latino and American
Indian/Alaska Native people (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2020). Those with heating systems
located in their basements are more likely to experience outages and use
generators – which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if used improperly.
People with
chronic illnesses are more likely to use medications and medical devices, and
have more health maintenance visits (e.g., dialysis, physical therapy). These
visits and activities are disrupted when power supplies and transportation
infrastructure is disrupted. People without access to a personal vehicle have a
more difficult time evacuating if necessary.
Additionally,
prolonged flooding and other climate disasters can create significant mental
and emotional stress for emergency workers and health care providers. Flooding
may also impact facilities directly and make it difficult and dangerous for
commuting healthcare staff to get to and from facilities. Providing care for high volumes of patients
for prolonged periods of time without relief can result in reductions in health
care quality and availability, which is risky for providers, patients, and
their families.
Guided Exploration:
The following exploration will guide you through the Massachusetts Department
of Public Health (MA DPH) webpage on health impacts of climate change. In doing
so, you’ll think about how flooding disproportionately affects certain
populations in your community, and you’ll locate essential information for
climate resilience planning and action.
- Open the Department of Public Health’s webpage on health impacts from climate change and click the square button (top right) titled “Climate-Enhanced Community Profile” (or click this link to go directly to the profile tool).
- Select your community from the list and open the report (either in your web viewer or as a PDF).
At the top of your Community Profile is some basic population, land use, and demographic information. The lower half of the report discusses health outcomes in your community. While you’ll have perhaps discovered some of this information in other GEAR guided explorations, discuss the following, and pay attention to the text in the orange bubbles in the PDF – they provide guiding information to consider connections between environment, climate change, and health:
- What is the age breakdown in your community?
- How might these populations be affected by health impacts of inland flooding?
- Are there people who might not be able to receive warnings about flooding events in advance?
- Are certain age groups concentrated in clusters around your community? (DPH hosts a Vulnerability Mapping Tool that illustrates this information, or you can visit the GEAR Health Map).
Now, consider the above questions specifically for members of your community:
- with one or more disabilities
- with lower incomes
- living below the poverty line
- identifying as People of Color
- with limited English proficiency
- without high school diplomas, college experience, or advanced degrees
- who are isolated and might not have an inherent tendency to trust local officials
Which other priority populations come to mind for your specific community? Where do they live?
Have you engaged with priority populations in your community regarding how they deal with inland flooding, and what they think could help build resilience? What kinds of adaptation would have the greatest impact? For example:
- Changes to the physical environment to prevent flooding or lessen its impacts?
- Public health programs that will improve community health before a flood and support the capacity of health and community-based organizations during and after floods?
- Strategies that can promote community inter-dependency and trust?
Consider which of the following resources you have in your community that support overall health and wellness:
- What are ways to make these sites more accessible so that they can increase overall health and readiness for everyone in your community?
- What are ways to make these sites more resilient to inland flooding so communities can count on them when needed (e.g., improvements, retrofits)?
- What are some ways to strengthen the connection and relationship between your community’s governing bodies and these sites?
- Be sure to explore the Actions to Consider section of this Guide for some ideas.
Read More About Related Impacts in the Massachusetts Climate Change Assessment:
- Increase in Vector Borne Diseases Incidence and Bacterial Infections page A36 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns; Eastern Inland; Boston Harbor; Cape, Islands, & South Coast)
- Emergency Service Response Delays and Evacuation Disruptions page 45 (top impact Statewide; Boston Harbor; North & South Shores; Cape, Islands, and South Coast)
- Reduction in Clean Water Supply page A60 (top impact Berkshires & Hilltowns; Cape, Islands, & South Coast)
Investigate GEAR Map Data Layers
Explore the Health map to learn more about how inland flooding may impact health in your community. The list at the right provides an overview of selected data layers included in the map, as well as a detailed description of each layer.
Explore the Health map to learn more about how inland flooding may impact health in your community. The list at the right provides an overview of selected data layers included in the map, as well as a detailed description of each layer.
The National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) dataset represents the current effective flood risk data for those parts of the country where maps have been modernized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The FEMA Q3 layer identifies areas that have historically been at risk of flooding - this data is from flood insurance rate paper maps (FRMs) where no NFHL data exists. The data should be used to identify areas of uncertainty and areas with possible flood risk.
This layer shows the locations of both acute and
non-acute care hospitals in Massachusetts that provide primary care,
preventative care, and specialty care, as well as emergency care and trauma
care.
This data layer displays
program sites from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), whose programs "provide
equitable health care to people who are geographically isolated and
economically or medically vulnerable." HRSA sites and programs
"deliver health services to people with HIV, pregnant people, mothers and
their families, those with low incomes, residents of rural areas, American
Indians and Alaska Natives, and those otherwise unable to access high-quality
health care."
These non-profit community-based organizations offer comprehensive primary care, including medical, socal and/or mental health services, to anyone in need regarless of their medical status, ability to pay, culture, or ethnicity. Additional services may include translation, workforce development, training, and education. Before, during, and after emergencies, Community Health Centers provide essential information, resources, and care.
This layer reflects the facilities enrolled in Rx
Open. Combining multiple data feeds from the pharmaceutical industry, Rx Open
displays the precise location on Google Maps of open pharmacies, closed
pharmacies, and those whose status is unknown.
Transportation
infrastructure is critical to the economy and social well-being of a region,
including a region's ability to respond in emergencies and recover from
disaster. Airports are particularly vulnerable to climate hazards such as
storms and high wind events.
This layer indicates ferry routes along the Massachusetts coast. Community members may rely on the routes for transportation to and from work, private property, and/or recreational opportunities. Areas near ferry stops may rely on consistent flow of passengers to support the local economy.
Travel by bike is a sustainable method of
transportation that can be utilized with appropriate bike lane infrastructure.
Some community members may rely on bicycle travel for work and other essential
activities, while others may engage with bicycle infrastructure for
recreational purposes.
This layer indicates rail infrastructure for MBTA trains. Communities rely on trains for transportation to work and recreation, and the transport of goods.
This layer represents a
subset of the 'Trains' layer, focusing on the rail linework for non-MBTA
passenger trains (AMTRAK and local recreational rides). These link passengers
through and beyond Commonwealth borders, or may be important for local
economies.
This layer represents bus
routes and stops within the MBTA public transit system. Transit routes allow
for affordable transportation to various sites and events, including health
care services, work, and social gatherings. Bus routes may experience
interruptions or cancellations in service as a result of climate hazards such
as extreme storm and heat events. Those who rely on bus routes would then face
significant transportation challenges. Bus stops in areas that experience urban
heat island effect pose health challenges for riders who experience long wait
times and/or are especially susceptible to the health impacts of high heat.
This layer contains all of
Massachusetts' Regional Transit Authority bus routes with the exception of the
MBTA. Transit routes allow for affordable transportation to various sites and
events, including health care services, work, and social gatherings. Bus routes
may experience interruptions or cancellations in service as a result of climate
hazards such as extreme storm and heat events as well as flooding. Those who
rely on bus routes would then face significant transportation challenges.
Environmental justice (EJ) populations, i.e., block groups are defined in Chapter 8 of the Acts of 2021 and the 2021 EEA EJ Policy. EJ populations are those segments of the population that EEA has determined to be most at risk of being unaware of or unable to participate in environmental decision-making or to gain access to state environmental resources or are especially vulnerable. 2020 block groups, updated in Nov 2022.
Actions to Consider
Communities can take a number of actions to increase resilience to inland flooding. Some actions may include:
Communities can take a number of actions to increase resilience to inland flooding. Some actions may include:
Intact natural ecosystems are essential for clean water. They reduce sediment and nutrient inputs into source water bodies, regulate runoff and streamflow, and buffer against flooding. Utilities work with regional floodplain managers and appropriate stakeholders to explore non-structural flood management techniques in their watersheds (EPA, 2022). One way to preserve intact ecosystems is to establish source water protection via acquiring and managing ecosystems in buffer zones along rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coasts. Hazardous materials enter water sources from polluted ecosystems and storm water drains. Hazardous materials that enter water bodies include motor oil, fertilizers, pesticides, paint, cleaners, and medicines.
- Preservation programs can include signage, education, events, and clean-ups focused on responsible disposal of hazardous compounds around natural ecosystems and storms drains (EPA, 2022). Efforts could result from partnerships with local community organizations, watershed organizations, and waterkeepers.
- This report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service addresses best management practices on developing water quality criteria, such as establishing metrics to track progress and water quality.
Resilience hubs are community serving facilities that are augmented to serve residents and coordinate resource distribution and services before, during, or after a natural hazard event. The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) notes that they "leverage established, trusted, and community-managed facilities that are used year-round as neighborhood centers for community-building activities." See the USDN Guide to Developing Resilience Hubs, which outlines several phases including building partnerships and developing goals, identifying and evaluating sites, determining resilience solutions, and implementation and operations. Additionally, explore this report from the City of Medford regarding their MVP-funded resilience hub concept and design (case study highlighted below).
People's culture, language, and other factors can influence the way they respond to crises and their attitudes toward receiving mental health support. As climate emergencies increase in frequency and severity, so too will mental health stressors (MCCA, 2022, Volume II Appendix A, p. A9). Therefore, the need for mental health services is projected to increase, and these services will need to be culturally and linguistically appropriate to truly meet community needs. Engage a disaster behavioral health and/or other community facilitator to design an education and planning initiative that works for your local community (e.g. representatives from community-based organizations, cultural groups, and faith leaders), health facilities and providers (e.g. mental health and community health centers, home health, hospitals, and traditional medicine practitioners). Activities may include:
- Knowledge sharing to support a shared understanding of future climate impacts, expand capacity to deliver psychological first aid, and strategies for culturally relevant mental health services in the community.
- A mental health vulnerability assessment that identifies sources of mental health services, including providers of social resilience such as community and faith-based organizations, their physical vulnerabilities, as well as collective gaps in the ability to meet projected needs.
- Action planning to address vulnerabilities and gaps, as well as determine a long-term home to continue this work such as within a resilience hub, mutual aid network, or other community network.
Implementing nature-based stormwater improvements that can slow and store runoff can result in less downstream flooding pressure. Providing co-benefits in the form of outdoor recreational space that doubles as a "safe" place for inland floodwaters to settle can reduce the overall impact of inland flooding on developed areas. The following resources can help you start to identify dual purposes of recreational space in your community:
Explore MVP Projects
Explore the MVP-funded projects below:
Explore the MVP-funded projects below:
FY20 Action Grant
$65,259 Award
To address community health vulnerabilities, the
City of Medford assessed the suitability of establishing a Resiliency Hub by
identifying a priority service area for a pilot Resiliency Hub, exploring
potential partner organizations and their resiliency capacity, highlighting
community member concerns, interests, and goals relating to community climate
resiliency, and prospectively identifying and evaluating potential Resiliency
Hub sites.
Learn more: Medford FY20 Suitability Assessment for Equitable, Community-Driven Resilience Hubs
FY20 Action Grant
$65,259 Award
To address community health vulnerabilities, the
City of Medford assessed the suitability of establishing a Resiliency Hub by
identifying a priority service area for a pilot Resiliency Hub, exploring
potential partner organizations and their resiliency capacity, highlighting
community member concerns, interests, and goals relating to community climate
resiliency, and prospectively identifying and evaluating potential Resiliency
Hub sites.
Learn more: Medford FY20 Suitability Assessment for Equitable, Community-Driven Resilience Hubs
FY22 Action Grant
$131,691 Award
The town of Mashpee leveraged a 2010 diagnostic study and over a decade of water quality monitoring to develop a multi-prong approach to improve the resilience of Santuit Pond to a warmer and wetter climate. The approach: (1) developed concept design for nutrient pollution reduction at key wet water input locations around Santuit Pond and carried one design forward to permitting, (2) reviewed and provided recommended changes to municipal bylaws to reduce nutrient impacts to all surface waters in Mashpee, and (3) created a robust public education and outreach program that incorporated the knowledge and perspective of the Wampanoag.
Project website: Town of Mashpee | MVP Grant Award - Santuit Pond
Case study: Mashpee FY22 Watershed-based Solutions to Increase Resilience to Harmful Algal Blooms in Santuit Pond in a Warmer and Wetter Climate
FY22 Action Grant
$131,691 Award
The town of Mashpee leveraged a 2010 diagnostic study and over a decade of water quality monitoring to develop a multi-prong approach to improve the resilience of Santuit Pond to a warmer and wetter climate. The approach: (1) developed concept design for nutrient pollution reduction at key wet water input locations around Santuit Pond and carried one design forward to permitting, (2) reviewed and provided recommended changes to municipal bylaws to reduce nutrient impacts to all surface waters in Mashpee, and (3) created a robust public education and outreach program that incorporated the knowledge and perspective of the Wampanoag.
Project website: Town of Mashpee | MVP Grant Award - Santuit Pond
Case study: Mashpee FY22 Watershed-based Solutions to Increase Resilience to Harmful Algal Blooms in Santuit Pond in a Warmer and Wetter Climate
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