Why Emergency Water Treatment Plans Must be in Place

We never know when an emergency situation might strike that will disrupt the normal water treatment operations a city has in place. Whether the emergency is caused by a storm, an outbreak of disease, large-scale industrial spills, or terrorist attacks, the need for safe drinking water will still be of prime importance. Having emergency response plans ready in order to deal with any emergency situation that should occur will be vital in saving lives and will be instrumental in recovery efforts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has training and planning information for municipal preparedness available on its website. The Department of Homeland Security also has information available which includes a variety of downloadable brochures, family emergency plans, and check lists. In addition, National Incident Management Systems information needs to be made available to all municipal employees who might be involved in any large-scale disaster. Information regarding this training is available at: Dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0363.shtm.

If a large-scale emergency should occur, there will be many responsibilities which may fall on the shoulders of municipal water treatment employees. These could include the disposal of large amounts of hazardous waste that threaten water supplies, dealing with inadequate back-up power, and putting into motion preparedness plans that no one has ever fully tested. The health and well-being of the citizens of the community are going to be in the hands of these people, so their advance training is critical to the success of any relief efforts.

While a city is preparing for possible emergency situations, there are several things directly related to the maintenance of clean drinking water which they should take care of including:
* Identify facilities within flood plains that contain hazardous materials so that they can be safeguarded and not end up in the water system.
* Make plans for back-up drinking water.
* Identify municipal facilities that house oil and hazardous materials.

You’ve undoubtedly heard the news reports telling about the lack of clean drinking water in cities where disaster has struck, and you know that it’s important for every community to plan for exactly what they’re going to do if they ever end up facing a similar situation. Preparing emergency water treatment plans before they are ever needed will stand you in good stead if your city faces a disaster situation sometime in the future.