Climate change impacts will require significant changes in many water utility management activities and operations. These adaptations may include developing new supply sources, instituting demand management practices, altering treatment processes, and investing in new infrastructure. While changes in water resource management techniques will be utility specific, implementing these techniques will require political and financial support from customers, governments, and other stakeholders. Therefore, effective communication with these key stakeholders is essential for acquiring the political commitment, public support, and financing necessary to successfully adapt to climate change.

Unfortunately, communicating with stakeholders about climate change will pose a significant challenge for water resource managers. This is because the levels of belief, understanding, and concern about climate change will vary widely among customers, political leaders, and other key stakeholders. To successfully communicate with stakeholders, water resource managers must adjust their messages to meet the needs of their intended target audience.