What impact does climate change likely have on water distribution systems?

Climate change significantly impacts water distribution systems primarily by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere holds more moisture, which can lead to severe weather phenomena such as heavy rainfall, floods, droughts, and storms. These events place additional stress on water distribution infrastructure, often exceeding their design capacity and leading to damage or failures in the system.

Moreover, the frequency of droughts can intensify water scarcity, challenging the management and allocation of water resources. In areas affected by flooding, water distribution systems can become contaminated or compromised, leading to service disruptions and increased costs for repairs and upgrades. Understanding this relationship is crucial for planning and maintaining resilient water distribution systems amid shifting climate patterns.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with the current scientific understanding of climate change. Stable weather patterns are generally disrupted rather than enhanced, while demand for water may actually increase due to higher temperatures and population growth, rather than decreasing. Finally, precipitation rates vary and do not necessarily guarantee an increase due to climate change; they can lead to both extremes of excessive rainfall and prolonged droughts.