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With an ever-increasing number of people living within 50 miles of low-lying coastal areas such as Florida, New York, and the Carolinas, sea level rise is putting significant strains on water supply and wastewater disposal practices. Water utilities need to plan for the effects of sea level rise on water supply sustainability and ancillary programs for storm water and wastewater disposal. Groundwater level rise resulting from sea level rise would create significant challenges to a utility's plans for new wells, aquifer recharge, hydrologic barrier programs, and reclaimed water programs. A comprehensive water evaluation is needed in order to ensure that water is used to gain the greatest benefit without duplicative costs for infrastructure. Future water supply plans and integrated water plans will need a sea level component in coastal areas.

Includes 22 references, tables, figures.