Security and Emergency Preparedness for Small Water and Wastewater Systems Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)

RCAP’s Approach  Link vulnerability assessment, risk reduction, and emergency preparedness measures to ongoing tasks of system management and operation.  Emphasis is on training elected officials serving on Boards and Councils.

Sanitary Surveys & Vulnerability Assessments: A Comparison The EPA/State Joint Guidance on Sanitary Surveys (December 1995) outlines eight elements as integral components of a sanitary survey. The 2002 Bioterrorism Act requires the VA to include a review of six areas.

The EPA/State Joint Guidance on Sanitary Surveys (December 1995) Water source; Treatment; Distribution system; Finished water storage; Pumps, pump facilities, and controls; Monitoring, reporting, and data verification; Water system management and operations; and Operator compliance with State requirements.

Required areas to review in a VA based on the 2002 Bioterrorism Act Pipes and constructed conveyances; Physical barriers; Water collection, pre- treatment, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities; Electronic, computer, or other automated systems that are utilized by the public water system; The use, storage, or handling of various chemicals; and The operation and maintenance of that system.

Vulnerability Assessment Process 1. Inventory critical system components. 2. Identify vulnerabilities. 3. Identify actions to address vulnerabilities. 4. Prioritize actions. from ASDWA/NRWA tool Asset Management Process 1. Take inventory. 2. Prioritize assets. 3. Develop an asset management plan. 4. Implement the plan. 5. Review and revise plan. from Asset Management: A Handbook for Small Water Systems, EPA 816-R

What happens if the system or source water is contaminated?  Who will respond to the emergency?  Who will alert community members in order to prevent further illness and death?

 What if there is no available water to fight fires?  What if the main pumping station and all access roads fail? Who would you call?

 What if a disgruntled employee or vandal taps into the distribution line?  Do town employees know how to isolate the line, and who to notify?  Who is responsible for notifying police, emergency crews, and the public if there is an emergency?  Who is responsible for returning water service to normal operations? What will it cost? Where will the money come from?

Emergency Response Plan – Core Elements* 1. System-Specific Information 2. CWS Roles and Responsibilities 3. Communication Procedures 4. Personnel Safety 5. Identification of Alternate Water Sources 6. Replacement Equipment and Chemical Supplies 7. Property Protection 8. Water Sampling and Monitoring * From EPA’s Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Water Systems

1. System-Specific Information  System ID or discharge #, population served and service connections  Sanitary survey (if a water system)  Standard operating procedures and system description  Distribution map with pressure zones, or collection map with lift stations, and flow diagrams  Site plans and facility “as-built” engineering drawings  Communications system operation  Chemical handling and/or storage facilities  Site Staffing Rosters and Employees’ Duties and Responsibilities

2. Community Water System Roles and Responsibilities  Hierarchy of decision-makers –Emergency Response Leader –Alternate Emergency Response Leader  Incident Command System (ICS)

3. Communication Procedures  Who are the first-responders and how can they be contacted? –Internal notification list –External non-CWS notification list  Public notification and instruction  Mitigation

4. Personnel Safety  Protective equipment  Evacuation plans  Communication channels with emergency personnel

5. Identification of Alternate Water Sources  Estimation of needed quantities  Agreements with neighboring systems  Bottled water or bulk water provided by a certified water hauler  Funds to purchase bottled water

6. Replacement Equipment and Chemical Supplies  Relative priority of equipment and supplies  Funds available to have sufficient replacements on hand  Shelf life or periodic inspections of replacements  Policies to acquire and maintain

7. Property Protection  Nature of threat  nature of protective response  Access control procedures  Securing buildings against forced entry, and other property protection procedures and measures  Policies and training on protection

8. Water Sampling and Monitoring  Water sampling skills  Water sampling supplies and equipment  Location of, and communication with analytical laboratories  Personnel and training on above

RCAP’s eBulletin: A Resource for Small System Decision-Makers  Electronic news bulletin and technical assistance tool for small water and wastewater systems.  Published every three weeks.  Subscription is free. Funding is from U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services.  Subscription list is not shared and subscribers can unsubscribe at any time.  Free technical assistance is available through the eBulletin.

Where to find the eBulletin and how to subscribe 

A Sample of eBulletin Topics  What Can You Do to Secure Your System? Top Ten Ways to Protect Your Water Supply System  Financial Checkup - How are you doing financially?  Steps to Strategic Planning  Cryptosporidium: Deciphering the LT2  Practical Information for the Rate-Setting Process

A Sample of eBulletin Topics (cont’d.)  Successful CCR's from Across the Nation  How Sanitary is Your Survey?  What to Do When Customers Don't Pay  Water Loss: The Silent Bandit  Straight Talk on Cross Connections

Resources  Security Vulnerability Self-Assessment Guide for Small Drinking Water Systems (ASDWA/NRWA)  Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Water Systems, EPA 816-R  RCAP’s Safe Drinking Water Trust eBulletin  Protecting Your Community’s Assets: A Guide for Small Wastewater Systems, National Env. Training Center for Small Communities  Asset Management: A Handbook for Small Water Systems, EPA 816-R

Resources  RCAP Security and Emergency Response Planning Toolbox for Small Water and Wastewater Systems  RCAP Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Response Guides and Templates –Security Vulnerability Self-Assessment Guide for Water Systems –Emergency Response Planning Guide for Public Drinking Water Systems –Emergency Response Planning Template for Public Drinking Water Systems –Emergency Response Planning Guide for Public Wastewater Systems –Emergency Response Planning Template for Public Wastewater Systems

For more information Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) (888)