Water charges must be introduced to protect drinking supplies in the face of climate change, the country's top engineers have warned.

In a report handed to Government, the Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE) claimed failure to act now will put society and the economy at unacceptable risk.

The group called for more of an all-Ireland approach with new systems to predict how floods, drought or energy supplies may affect the island.

Michael Hayden, IAE president, pointed to the devastating experiences suffered by the people of New Orleans.

"You've only to think of Hurricane Katrina for an example of how climate change coupled with poor planning and zoning decisions can lead to social and economic disaster," the leading engineer warned.

"If we move now, significant economic benefits will accrue, but if we do 'too little too late' we risk social and economic disaster."

The report, Ireland at Risk - Adapting Critical Infrastructure for Climate Change, which will be given to Environment Minister John Gormley, warned planning and investing now will be far more cost effective than waiting for catastrophe.

Based on evidence from 60 researchers, the report said Ireland will be water-rich but changing rainfall and more frequent severe weather may force an irrigation plan for dry spells.

It also urged a flood forecast warning system be set up for rivers and coasts while more detailed flood plain maps are needed.