Water Resources Resilience Plan
Background & Purpose

 

DRBC's Water Resources Resilience Plan.


At its 2024 second quarter business meeting, the DRBC unanimously approved a resolution directing staff to develop a resilience plan for water resources.

The DRBC's Water Resources Resilience Plan (WRRP) will connect multiple water resource impacts under one umbrella. DRBC's activities will focus on matters within the authority and jurisdiction of the Commission and will complement the efforts being made by Commission members. 


The WRRP will include:

  • Prioritized actions for evaluating impacts of climate change and other challenges and formulating management approaches to improve resilience and adaptation to a changing climate and other emerging challenges

  • Consultation with ACCC and other stakeholders

  • Funding priorities and timing


Actions within the Commission's authority may include:

  • Flow and drought management

  • Flood loss

  • Water quality

  • Water use and water efficiency

  • Water equity

  • Regulations
Developing the WRRP: Phases 1-3

 

The WRRP will consist of 3 phases, with Phase 1 wrapping up in early 2026. Each phase will include public input components. All timing is subject to change. 


Phase 1 - A Framework for DRBC's Water Resources Resilience Plan


Phase 2 - Advancing Resilience of the Delaware River Basin's Water Resources to Climate Change

  • Timing: 2026 - 2027

  • Objective: Develop a list of recommended actions and activities that DRBC can take to address climate change impacts to water resources

  • Public engagement: Yes, details TBD


Phase 3 – Advancing Resilience of the Delaware River Basin's Water Resources to Additional Challenges

  • Timing: After completion of Phase 2

  • Objective: Provide the Commission with recommended actions and activities to advance the resilience of the Basin's water resources in light of additional challenges, such as contaminants of emerging concern, freshwater salinization and changing patterns of water demand

  • Public engagement: Yes, details TBD


In parallel, DRBC staff will continue to advance ongoing climate-related work and the Commission will consider actions as surfaced throughout the WRRP process. DRBC will include updates and work plans through its annual Water Resources Program based on available capacity and funding.  
Public Input Opportunities


Group Presentations

  • DRBC staff is available to attend your group or event to share more about the Water Resources Resilience Plan and the process. To arrange for a speaker, send an email to: contact@drbc.gov. 


Stay Connected & Check Back for Updates!

  • Sign up to hear about Water Resources Resilience Plan updates here: https://www.nj.gov/drbc/contact/interest/ (select "DRBC Water Resources Resilience Plan" listserv, but feel free to sign up for others too!)


Archives: Phase 1 Public Input - Comment Card

  • The public was invited to share thoughts on the scope of DRBC's Water Resources Resilience Plan here: https://tinyurl.com/DRBCCommentCard.

  • The comment card remained open through the end of October.


Archives: Phase 1 Public Input Sessions

The DRBC scheduled a series of public input sessions on the plan, both in-person and virtual, to assist staff in developing the plan. Opportunities included:
Water Resources Resilience Plan: Materials & Resources