Breaking Down DRBC’s Framework for Resilience

The DRBC will hold a public webinar on April 30, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on “Breaking Down DRBC’s Framework for Resilience.” Join to learn more about the plan’s progress and next steps!

Background & Purpose

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

• View Resolution (PDF)

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 Advisory Committee on Climate Change (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

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

• Timing: 2025 – 2026
• Objective: Develop a framework for work to be done in Phases 2 & 3
• Public engagement: January – October 2025. Broad informal input sought on scope and topics. Online comment card and DRBC- hosted listening sessions.
• NEW! A Framework for the Delaware River Basin Commission’s Water Resources Resilience Plan (PDF; March 2026)
  • View News Release (issued April 13, 2026)
  • Register for April 30 Webinar

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.