Freshwater availability in Guam with projected changes in climate

Guam receives 85 to 116 inches of rain a year, two-thirds of which has historically fallen during the wet season. On average, three tropical storms and one typhoon pass within 80 nautical miles of Guam each year, generally during the rainy season. Both drought and flooding can impact freshwater supply and the associated infrastructure. Department of Defense (DoD) installations and non-military populations on Guam share freshwater resources, which will be impacted by changes in demographics, freshwater demand, and climate. This DoD Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) funded study evaluated potential climate impacts on freshwater supplies in Guam, and identified methods of increasing the water distribution system’s resilience.