Assessing the Vulnerability of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure to Climate Change for Sustainable Urban Development

Climate change increasingly affects the sustainability and reliability of urban water and wastewater infrastructure. This study analyzes the relationship between climatic variables and the frequency of failures in water and sewage networks in northeastern Poland, using operational data from the Mrągowo system (2020–2023) and meteorological records from 1966 to 2023. Statistical analyses and trend assessments were employed to identify climate-related failure patterns and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Climatic parameters—including temperature extremes, precipitation, snow cover, and sunshine duration—were analyzed in relation to infrastructure reliability. The results indicate rising temperatures, reduced snowfall, and altered precipitation regimes. Although extreme cold corresponded with increased sewage network failures, no significant association was found for high temperatures. Precipitation and snow cover showed weak correlations, except during heavy rainfall events. The study highlights the need to integrate climate resilience into water infrastructure management through preventive maintenance, smart monitoring, and nature-based solutions. Findings contribute to sustainable urban development strategies by demonstrating how climate variability directly affects service reliability. By identifying climate-sensitive failure thresholds, the study supports sustainable infrastructure management by enabling risk-informed adaptation strategies that reduce service disruptions, resource losses, and environmental impacts. This case study offers methodological insights and empirical evidence that may support the assessment of climate-related vulnerability of water and wastewater infrastructure in similar urban contexts.