Abstract

Humans have recognized the limitations of water availability since the beginning of time; we have surmounted this challenge by collecting water, conveying and transporting it via intricate networks over miles of distance and elevation to ensure the sustainability of our societies. Today, we are further challenged by demands that exceed supplies in addition to multiple stressors that include emerging new high-volume water users, growing populations, unpredictable climates and fluctuating sea levels. For Texas, this could mean straddling two water availability extremes: too much or not enough as well as not at the right time or not at the right place. This presentation makes the case for mimicking the natural water cycle by reducing, reusing, recycling and regenerating water to hedge against water deficits. When combined with an innovative mindset and advanced water technologies, we can ensure lots of drops to drink for our societies into the future.

About the Speaker

Hanadi Rifai, PhD, PE, Fellow ASCE, Professor, University of Houston

Hanadi Rifai is Moores Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Houston. She directs HuRRI, a Gulf Coast Multi-University Collaborative Center focusing on resilience to severe events and natural disasters. Dr. Rifai is a water engineer with extensive expertise and experience in water quantity and quality in natural water systems and the cascading impacts of severe events and natural hazards on industrial and environmental infrastructure and human and ecosystem health.