We are all facing a lot of uncertainty these days. In light of recent events, reliance on our critical infrastructure, such as drinking water treatment and distribution facilities, has never been more important. Drinking water treatment and distribution facilities have long been considered critical infrastructure in the United States. As the world changes, so do the potential human and natural threats that affect our water systems, operators, and customers.
Some modern risks to our drinking water systems and operators are nothing new, like proper storage and handling of chemicals. Other risks are uncharted territory. Hackers, malware, and spyware did not represent plausible threats until recently. Legislature can provide guidance for water treatment professionals on how to prevent and prepare as new threats emerge.
Legislative guidance
America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) became federal law in 2018. This law requires drinking water systems serving populations of 3,300 or greater to develop and update risk and resilience assessments (RRAs) and emergency response plans (ERPs). RRAs identify risks surrounding everything from the financial infrastructure of the system to the physical condition of critical equipment. This report considers the likelihood of threats, potential outcomes, and the ability of the system to withstand threats. The ERP then strategizes emergency plans and procedures.
Deadlines to certify these documents are fast approaching, and vary by number of served customers. The RRAs for populations ≥ 100,000 were due March 31, 2020. For populations 50,000-99,999, the due date is December 31, 2020, and for populations 3,301-49,999, the due date is June 30, 2021. The ERPs are due six months from certification of the RRAs.
Benefits of ERPs and RRAs
Legislative requirements aside, ERPs and RRAs can be useful tools for owners and operators. Maybe your water treatment plant is well equipped for human threats, but the distribution system could use some additional security. Is there a maintenance project that did not make it into your system’s CIP that is necessary for protecting water quality? Did a piece of critical equipment start to degrade after your City’s Master Plan was already finalized? ERPs and RRAs can provide another opportunity for long-term planning of your system.
The emergency protocols developed through RRAs and ERPs can provide crucial guidelines in times of crisis. Look no further than the COVID-19 pandemic for a recent example. What could we have done differently to prepare for social distancing among employees? Do we have the technology for customers to pay bills online if necessary? How can we plan for emergencies that result in absent staff? Answers to these questions can be explored through ERPs and RRAs.
As engineers, owners, and operators, we continuously assess system condition and vulnerability. The AWIA provides additional motivation to record findings and prepare for any obstacles that may affect your utility. A few engineers on our team here at Mead & Hunt are certified with AWWA’s Risk & Resilience Certificate program and can prepare the ERPs and RRAs. Our team of over 100 water professionals is well equipped to help our clients prepare and plan for the unexpected. We’re here to keep our essential infrastructure strong in times of uncertainty.