Throughout the world, 1–2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water. With the increase in extreme weather events (i.e., flooding, hurricanes, drought), the accessibility of safe drinking water becomes more difficult. To ensure that humans have access to safe drinking water before, during, and after extreme weather events, it is imperative that monitoring and protocols be implemented on a consistent and routine basis. The impact on drinking water quality from flooding, eutrophication, drought, and saltwater intrusion requires improved drinking water treatment systems that address the complexities of the water matrices. Water treatment systems will need to add novel treatment technologies to address the complexities of water quality entering the system. Regardless of the improved water treatment system, it is imperative that the adaptations account for the changing climate.