Water: Emergency/Incident Planning
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Water InfrastructureWater SecurityEmergency/Incident Planning, Response, and RecoveryEmergency/Incident Planning, Response, and Recovery
EPA has developed a variety of guidance documents and other informative resources to support drinking water and wastewater utility preparedness, response and recovery. As demonstrated by the graphic above, being ready to respond to an incident requires a continuous cycle of activities.
Training and Exercise Planning- Fact Sheet on How to Develop a Multi-Year Training and Exercise (T&E) Plan
- How to Develop a Multi-Year Training and Exercise (T&E) Plan
- Tabletop Exercise Tool for Water Systems: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Climate Resiliency
- Mutual Aid and Assistance
- Bridging the Gap: Coordination between State Primacy Agencies and State Emergency Management Agencies (PDF)
- Collaborative State-Level Water Sector Emergency Response Exercises 2009-2011: Lessons Learned (PDF)
- Coordination of the Water Sector and Emergency Services Sectors: An Important Step to Better Response
- All-Hazard Consequence Management Planning for the Water Sector
- Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Water Systems
- Large Water System Emergency Response Plan Outline: Guidance to Assist Community Water Systems in Complying with the Bioterrorism Act
- Wastewater Emergency Response Plan Guidance Document
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS)
- Planning for an Emergency Drinking Water Supply
- Emergency Water Supply Planning for Hospitals and Health Care Facilities
- Water/Wastewater System Generator Preparedness
- Federal Response Planning
- National Response Planning
- EPA's Support to the Water Sector Under the National Response Framework
- United States Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Support Function #3 Support
- USACE ESF#3 Field Guide
- Risk and Crisis Communication
- Effective Risk and Crisis Communication During Water Security Emergencies:
Report of EPA Sponsored Message Mapping Workshops - Message Mapping Video
- Crisis Communication Webinar: Anticipating the Public's Questions during a Water Emergency
- Pandemic Planning
- Top Ten List for Small Ground Water Suppliers
- Response Protocol Toolbox (RPTB)
- Wastewater Response Protocol Toolbox (WWRPTB)
- National Disaster Recovery Framework
- Funding
- Federal Funding for Utilities - Water/Wastewater - in National Disasters(Fed FUNDS)
- Public Assistance for Water and Wastewater Utilities in Emergencies and Disasters
- Reimbursement Tips for Water Sector Emergency Response and Recovery
- Decontamination for the Water Sector
Training and Exercise Planning
- Fact Sheet on How to Develop a Multi-Year Training and Exercise (T&E) Plan (PDF) (2 pp, 512K)
This document will assist utilities to create multi-year T&E plans that can lead to increased emergency preparedness.
EPA 817-F-12-001, March 2012 - How to Develop a Multi-Year Training and Exercise (T&E) Plan (PDF) (17 pp, 3MB)
This document will assist utilities to create multi-year T&E plans that can lead to increased emergency preparedness.
EPA 816-K-11-003, May 2011 - Tabletop Exercise Tool for Water Systems: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Climate Resiliency
The Tabletop Exercise Tool helps plan and facilitate tabletop exercises. The TTX Tool expands on the capabilities of the first version of the tool, published in 2005. The updated TTX Tool contains fifteen scenarios that address an all-hazards approach to emergency preparedness and response, including natural hazards and manmade incidents, as well as introduces users to the potential impacts of climate change on the Water Sector.
EPA 817-C-10-001, June 2010
Preparedness Planning
- Information on the water sector's "Utilities Helping Utilities" Initiative and, Water and Wastewater Agency Response Networks (WARN) is available via the Mutual Aid and Assistance page.
- Bridging the Gap: Coordination between State Primacy Agencies and State Emergency Management Agencies (PDF) (8 pp, 2MB)
This document focuses on collaborative opportunities between public water and emergency management when an incident requires state involvement.
EPA 817-F-12-006, February 2013 - Collaborative State-Level Water Sector Emergency Response Exercises 2009-2011: Lessons Learned (PDF)
(4 pp, 368K) Describes a fact sheet highlighting some of the lessons learned from EPA sponsored state-level water sector emergency response exercises.
EPA 817-R-12-005, May 2012 - Coordination of the Water Sector and Emergency Services Sectors: An Important Step to Better Response (PDF)
(8 pp, 1MB) This document describes the relationship of the water sector and emergency services sector, how the relationship is mutually beneficial and provides examples on how to improve coordination between water utilities and local emergency management agencies.
EPA 817-K-12-001, February 2012 - All-Hazard Consequence Management Planning for the Water Sector (PDF) (72 pp, 1MB)
This document helps drinking water and wastewater utilities incorporate all-hazard consequence management concepts into their existing emergency preparedness, response, and recovery planning. It also provides customizable lists of preparedness, response, and recovery actions that will improve resiliency across all hazards. - Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Water Systems (PDF) (45 pp, 415K)
For use by community water systems serving a population between 3,301 and 99,999 as they develop or revise emergency response plans. The document should be of considerable value to key authorities with critical roles during emergency response or remediation actions resulting from a drinking water contamination threat or incident. Printed copies, in limited quantities, can be obtained from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP).
EPA 816-R-04-002, April 2004 - Large Water System Emergency Response Plan Outline: Guidance to Assist Community Water Systems in Complying with the Bioterrorism Act (PDF) (12 pp, 79K)
Guidance developed to aid utilities in preparing emergency response plans as required by the Bioterrorism Act. Provides guidance that is not a requirement of the federal government, and some sections might not be applicable to every system. In addition, states might have requirements that supersede this outline.
EPA 810-F-03-007, July 2003 - The Wastewater Emergency Response Plan Guidance Document (PDF) (83 pp, 3MB)
Published by the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF)
This tool assists wastewater systems in preparing their emergency response plans (ERPs).
- Water Sector Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Training Materials
NIMS and ICS enables responders from a variety of jurisdictions and disciplines to work together effectively when responding to an emergency. These training modules were developed to supplement FEMA’s training in order to provide more water- specific training.
EPA offers in-person training for ICS 100(b) Basic Training, ICS 200(b) Initial Action Incidents, IS700(a) NIMS, IS800(b) National Response Framework, ICS 300 Intermediate Training, ICS 400 Advanced Training, and IS-960 Group Division/Supervisor Training. Registration for existing in-person classes is at http://www.horsleywitten.com/ICStraining/
One hour long webinars targeted to water/wastewater for ICS 100, ICS 200, NIMS 700, and NRF 800 can be accessed below: - ICS 100: (Streaming recording link)
- ICS 200: (Streaming recording link)
- NIMS 700: (Streaming recording link)
- NRF 800: (Streaming recording link)
- https://water.webex.com/water/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=TC&rID=943272&act=pb&rKey=2e190aec4e97c5d5
- In addition, below are the ICS/NIMS courses tailored to the water sector:
- NIMS Training for the Water Sector(PDF) (73 pp, 2MB)
- NIMS Training for the Water Sector (PPT) (26 pp, 10MB)
- ICS Training for the Water Sector (PDF) (143 pp, 4MB)
- ICS Training for the Water Sector (PPT) (23 pp, 26MB)
- Planning for an Emergency Drinking Water Supply (PDF) (51 pp, 8MBK)
This document reviews roles and responsibilities among various levels of government regarding emergency water supplies and seeks to encourage collaboration and partnership regarding emergency water supply planning.
EPA 600-R-11-054, May 2011 - Emergency Water Supply Planning for Hospitals and Health Care Facilities (PDF) (95 pp, 2MB)
This document provides information for health care facilities to develop an Emergency Water Supply Plan to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a total or partial interruption of the facilities’ normal water supply. - Water/Wastewater System Generator Preparedness (PDF) (6 pp, 1MB)
This document provides information tools and prompts utilities to better prepare for emergency generator needs, provides tips on running and maintaining generators, and includes an easy-to-copy form to determine and document backup power needs.
EPA 901-F-09-027, September 2009 - National Response Framework
The National Response Framework presents the guiding principles that enable all response partners to prepare for and provide a unified national response to disasters and emergencies - from the smallest incident to the largest catastrophe. The Framework establishes a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to domestic incident response. - EPA’s Support to the Water Sector Under the National Response Framework (PDF) (2 pp, 41K)
This document informs drinking water and wastewater utilities, and other partners and stakeholders, about the roles and functions performed by EPA for the water sector under the NRF.
EPA 817-F-09-011, December 2009 - United States Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Support Function #3 Support
This page describes the USACE’s role in support of the National Response Framework Emergency Support Function #3. - USACE ESF#3 Field Guide (PDF) (3 pp, 137K)
This document provides information and checklists to support the USACE’s ESF #3 operational activities. - Effective Risk and Crisis Communication During Water Security Emergencies: Report Of EPA Sponsored Message Mapping Workshops (PDF) (72 pp, 1MB,)
This report provides information to help utilities prepare clear and concise answers to questions during incidents.
EPA-600-R-0-027, March 2007 - Message Mapping Video
This video provides an overview of message mapping which has become widely accepted as a method of preparing ahead of time for crisis communication that will be necessary during various types of potential incidents, including those affective drinking water and wastewater utilities. It is a key to the science-based risk communication process. - Crisis Communication Webinar: Anticipating the Public's Questions during a Water Emergency
The overall objective of this study was to provide practical information that crisis communicators can directly apply to planning and response. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) and the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC) partnered in 2012 to produce the webcast "Anticipating the Public's Questions during a Water Emergency." Featuring NHSRC staff, the webcast covered the results of interviews with the public and drinking water professionals about the information the public would want in the case of an intentional municipal water supply contamination. - Need to Know: Anticipating the Public's Questions during a Water Emergency (PDF) (64 pp, 24MB)
The overall objective of this study was to provide practical information that crisis communicators can directly apply to planning and response. There were two target audiences: (1) drinking water utility professionals, and (2) consumers. - Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox
This Toolbox provides a protocol and practical guide for communicating with stakeholders and the public about water advisories that is based upon research and identified practices. The Toolbox focuses on water systems and addresses the spectrum of situations that generate drinking water advisories. -
Do you need resources to support water sector planning and preparedness for pandemic incidents?
See our Pandemic Planning page. -
Top Ten List for Small Ground Water Suppliers (PDF) (1 pg, 75K)
This list was developed to assist small public water suppliers with security and emergency planning. Includes tips to help suppliers to protect their facilities from tampering or contamination incidents and to prepare for potential emergencies. Developed by EPA New England.
Response Protocol Toolbox (RPTB) Interim Final:
Planning for and Responding to Contamination Threats to Drinking Water Systems
These modules provide emergency response planning tools that are designed to help the water sector to effectively and appropriately respond to intentional contamination threats and incidents.
Response Protocol ToolboxPlanning for and Responding to Contamination Threats to Drinking Water Systems Modules Planning for and Responding to Drinking Water Contamination Treats and Incidents:
Overview and Application (PDF) (17 pp, 3MB) EPA-817-D-03-007, December 2003 | Word Version ( 14pp, 463k)Module 1: Water Utility Planning Guide (PDF) (46 pp, 3MB EPA-817-D-03-001, December 2003 | Word Version ( 45pp, 1MB) Module 2: Contamination Threat Management Guide (PDF) (31 pp, 413K)
EPA-817-D-03-002, December 2003 | Word Version ( 107pp, 3MB)Module 3: Site Characterization and Sampling Guide(PDF) (85 pp, 3MB)
EPA-817-D-03-003, December 2003| Word Version ( 86pp, 2MB)Module 4: Analytical Guide (PDF) (113 pp, 5MB)
EPA-817-D-03-004, December 2003 | Word Version ( 110pp, 5MB)Module 5: Public Health Response Guide (PDF) (85 pp, 3MB)
EPA-817-D-03-005, December 2003| Word Version ( 86pp, 2MB)Module 6: Remediation and Recovery Guide (PDF) (113 pp, 2MB)
EPA-817-D-03-006, December 2003| Word Version ( 111pp, 1MB)- Response Protocol Toolbox: Response Guidelines (PDF) (75 pp, 2MB)
A compilation of forms from the RPTB that may be helpful during an incident response.
EPA 817-D-04-001, August 2004
- A Water Security Handbook:
Planning for and Responding to Drinking Water Contamination Threats and Incidents (PDF) (72 pp, 9MB)
A short version of the RPTB and companion to the Response Guidelines.
- Wastewater Response Protocol Toolbox (WWRPTB): Planning for and Responding to Wastewater Contamination Threats and Incidents (PDF) (177 pp, 10MB)
This document provides emergency response planning tools that are designed to help in protecting wastewater systems from contamination events and incidents.
EPA 817-B-09-001, December 2011 - This document is also available on a module-specific basis below.
- WWRPTB Introduction (PDF) (10 pp, 683K)
- WWRPTB Module 1: Wastewater Utility Planning Guide (PDF) (16 pp, 1MB)
- WWRPTB Module 2: Contamination Threat Management Guide (PDF) (28 pp, 2MB)
- WWRPTB Module 3: Site Characterization and Sampling Guide (PDF) (18 pp, 2MB)
- WWRPTB Module 4: Analytical Guide (PDF) (32 pp, 2MB)
- WWRPTB Module 5: Public Health and Environmental Impact Response Guide (PDF) (12 pp, 1MB)
- WWRPTB Module 6: Remediation and Recovery Guide (PDF) (10 pp, 690K)
- WWRPTB Appendices (PDF) (51 pp, 1MB)
A compilation of forms from the WWRPTB that may be helpful during an incident response.
Recovery
- National Disaster Recovery Framework
The National Disaster Recovery Framework is a guide that enables effective recovery support to disaster-impacted States, Tribes, Territorial and local jurisdictions. It provides a flexible structure that enables disaster recovery managers to operate in a unified and collaborative manner. - Containment and Disposal of Large Amounts of Contaminated Water: A Support Guide for Water Utilities (PDF)
(96 pp, 7MB) Describes containment and disposal of large amounts of contaminated water for water utilities use. EPA 817-B-12-002, September 2012
- In adherence with best practices, the following 508 compliant flat text versions of select "Containment and Disposal of Large Amounts of Contaminated Water: A Support Guide for Water Utilities" tables and figures are provided:
- Figure 1-1: Overview of Potential Options for Containment, Treatment, and Disposal of Large Amounts of Water from Drinking Water, Wastewater, and/or Stormwater Systems (TXT) (2K)
- Figure 3-1: Recommended Decision-Making Framework for Containment and Treatment of Contaminated Water for Drinking Water Systems (TXT) (4K)
- Figure 3-2: Recommended Decision-Making Framework for Containment and Treatment of Contaminated Water for Wastewater and Stormwater Systems (TXT) (4K)
- Figure 4-1: Recommended Decision Tree for Evaluating Disposal of Treated Water for Drinking Water Systems (TXT)(4K)
- Figure 4-2: Recommended Decision Tree for Evaluating Disposal of Treated Water for Wastewater and Stormwater Systems (TXT) (4K)
- Figure A-1: Recommended Framework for Developing a Risk Communication Strategy for a Drinking Water Utility Following a Contamination Incident (TXT) (4K)
- Table 3-5: Recommended Treatment Methods for Biotoxin Contaminated Water (TXT) (2K)
- Table 3-6: Potential Treatment Methods for Water Contaminated with Radiologicals (TXT) (3K)
- Table 4-3: Some Key Additional Requirements and Considerations for WWTPs (TXT) (3K)
- Table B-3: Potential Treatment Byproducts and Treatment Process Residuals (TXT) (3K)
- Federal Funding for Utilities - Water/Wastewater - in National Disasters (Fed FUNDS)
Fed FUNDS is an intuitive web-based tool that provides tailored information for water and/or wastewater utilities to obtain information on federal disaster funding programs. Using Fed FUNDS, a utility can easily identify appropriate funding opportunities, gain insight on the application process, access customized forms to document costs, download successful utility applications, and contact utility funding mentors. Fed FUNDS features federal disaster funding programs from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), EPA, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Small Business Administration (SBA). - Public Assistance for Water and Wastewater Utilities in Emergencies and Disasters (PDF) (4 pp, 364K)
This brochure provides information about the eligibility of water and wastewater utilities for disaster funds under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Public Assistance Grant Program.
EPA 817-F-10-009, August 2010 - Reimbursement Tips for Water Sector Emergency Response and Recovery (PDF) (2 pp, 164K)
This document presents tips drinking water and wastewater utilities can use to maximize their ability to receive reimbursement.
EPA 817-F-09-004, August 2009 - Decontamination and Recovery Planning - Water and Wastewater Utility Case Study (PDF) (12 pp, 875K)
This report documents the planning and experiences of a large combined water and wastewater utility related to decontamination and recovery. The study outlines specific planning steps that may be beneficial to other utilities in their planning and preparedness to respond to a contamination event.
EPA 817-F-08-004, September 2008 - Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT)
A response tool that can be used to provide real-time data on water contaminants to help utilities make decisions if contamination occurs.
Related Links
- Response Protocol Toolbox: Response Guidelines (PDF) (75 pp, 2MB)
Additional ICS, NIMS, NRF training and FEMA certification tests can be accessed from the FEMA's NIMS Resource Center site.