Chapter 1. Introduction

Security, risk reduction, and emergency preparedness are not new obligations, but are part of the ongoing responsibilities of owning and operating a water or wastewater system. It’s the responsibility of system owners, managers, and operators to implement security and preparedness measures. With this responsibility comes a liability – political and possibly legal – if risks are not reduced and the system is not responsive to emergencies. It’s critical that those responsible for systems assess the systems’ vulnerabilities, reduce their risks, and be sure they’re prepared for all types of possible emergencies.

The devastating natural disasters of recent years have underlined the need for small water and wastewater system owners, managers, and operators to be familiar with physical and operational aspects of their systems that are susceptible to failure. Unexpected events, whether natural or human-caused, can pose a risk to public health. Therefore, those responsible for providing safe water and wastewater services must strengthen the weak components and processes, and assure that they are well-prepared for unexpected events that could endanger customers and neighbors.

Many small utilities have limited resources, and some do not have computer capabilities. The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) has crafted vulnerability assessment and emergency response planning tools for small and very small water and wastewater systems, with and without computer capabilities. Many of the actions suggested by these tools are inexpensive and quick.

Utilities that assess their vulnerabilities and adopt thorough emergency response plans are minimizing risk to life, health, and the environment; reducing liability for emergency-related injury; and demonstrating good policy.

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Section: Desciption:
How to Use This Toolbox

The RCAP Security and Emergency Response Planning Toolbox for Small Water and Wastewater Systems (the “RCAP Security Toolbox”) consists of five core modules, appendices, and introductory text that relates security and emergency preparedness to best practices of system operation and management. The appendices include resources, a glossary, an emergency notification and contact list, eBulletin subscription forms, and powerpoint training presentations.

 
A Word About the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)

Provides a brief description of the organization and how the RCAP partnership provides training and technical assistance nationwide on water and wastewater, through a national office in Washington DC and six regional offices.