Water-related emergency preparedness and outbreak response has become one of the most significant and crucial issues in recent history. Individuals, families, and businesses have been advised to be prepared for emergencies by creating disaster supply kits that include appropriate amounts of safe drinking water. Emergencies can include natural disasters (for example, hurricanes, floods, and droughts) man-made disasters (for example, intentional contamination), and outbreaks (for example, infections linked to water exposure). Preparedness resources include preparedness toolkits, preparedness training, and directions for emergency disinfection.

Water-related Emergencies and Outbreaks

During water-related emergencies, the quality and safety of water can be compromised. Water-related emergencies can be created by natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and landslides. For a complete list of natural disasters and how to prepare and respond to them, please visit CDC's Natural Disasters and Severe Weather page.

A waterborne outbreak is a cluster of two or more infections caused by the same agent(s) and linked to the same water exposure. Outbreaks can be caused by water contaminated with pathogens, chemicals, or toxins which can be spread through ingestion of, contact with, or breathing contaminated
water ¹.

In order to protect the health of a community affected by an outbreak or natural disaster, a Boil Water Advisory may be issued. For instructions to follow once an advisory is declared, visit one of the following:

• Boil Water Advisory procedures for the public
• Boil Water Advisory procedures for public health professionals
• Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox for water utilities and public health professionals

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance for Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water — United States, 2007–2008. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011;60(No. SS 12);38-68.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Emergency Preparedness and You.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance for Waterborne Disease Outbreaks – United States, 1993-1994. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1996:45(No. SS-1);1-33.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patient Facts: Learn More about Legionnaires' disease.
5. National Weather Service. 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water.