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Institutionalizing Drinking Water Security: Making the Issues Real for Small System Capacity Development. Joy Barrett Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Rocky Mountain Section AWWA/WEA September 13, 2004. The Challenges:. Institutionalize security measures;
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Institutionalizing Drinking Water Security: Making the Issues Real for Small System Capacity Development Joy Barrett Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Rocky Mountain Section AWWA/WEA September 13, 2004
The Challenges: • Institutionalize security measures; • Make security and preparedness relevant to small systems.
The EPA/State Joint Guidance on Sanitary Surveys (December 1995) outlines eight elements as integral components of a sanitary survey. They are: Water source; Treatment; Distribution system; Finished water storage; Pumps, pump facilities, and controls; Monitoring, reporting, and data verification; Water system management and operations; and Operator compliance with State requirements. The 2002 Bioterrorism Act requires the VA to include a review of: Pipes and constructed conveyances; Physical barriers; Water collection, pre- treatment, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities; Electronic, computer, or other automated systems that are utilized by the public water system; The use, storage, or handling of various chemicals; and The operation and maintenance of that system. Sanitary Surveys & Vulnerability Assessments: A Comparison
The Vulnerability Assessment Process* • Inventory critical system components. • Identify vulnerabilities. • Identify actions to address vulnerabilities. • Prioritize actions. *from ASDWA/NRWA tool
Addressing Vulnerabilities: Security and Risk-Reduction Measures • Business and management practices, e.g., new policies and employee safety training, improved communications plans • System upgrades, e.g., replacing equipment, modifying processes • Security Improvements, e.g., locking chemicals and gases, repairing fences
Emergency Response Plan – Core Elements* • System-Specific Information • CWS Roles and Responsibilities • Communication Procedures • Personnel Safety • Identification of Alternate Water Sources • Replacement Equipment and Chemical Supplies • Property Protection • Water Sampling and Monitoring * From EPA’s Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Water Systems
1. System-Specific Information • Sanitary Survey • Standard Operating Procedures Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial
2.CWS Roles and Responsibilities • Hierarchy of decision-makers Capacity Development Arena: Managerial
3. Communication Procedures • Who are the first-responders and how can they be contacted? • Public notification and instruction • Mitigation Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial
4. Personnel Safety • Protective equipment • Evacuation plans • Communication channels with emergency personnel Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial
5. Identification of Alternate Water Sources • Estimation of needed quantities • Agreements with neighboring systems • Funds to purchase bottled water Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial
6. Replacement Equipment and Chemical Supplies • Relative priority of equipment and supplies? • Funds availability to have sufficient replacements on hand • Shelf life or periodic inspections of replacements • Policies to acquire, maintain Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial
7. Property Protection • Nature of threat nature of protective response • Policies and training on protection Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial
8. Water Sampling and Monitoring • Water sampling skills • Water sampling supplies and equipment • Location of, and communication with analytical laboratories • Personnel and training on above Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial
Resources Security Vulnerability Self-Assessment Guide for Small Drinking Water Systems (ASDWA/NRWA) www.asdwa.org Preparing for the Unexpected: Security for Small Water Systems (NETCSC) www.netc.wvu.edu
Resources (continued) Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Water Systems, EPA 816-R-04-002 www.epa.gov/safewater/security RCAP’s Safe Drinking Water Trust eBulletin www.watertrust.org AWWA Small Utility Network www.awwa.org/science/sun/
Resources (continued) Automated Security Survey & Evaluation Tool (ASSET), developed by NEWWA www.newwa.org Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool (VSAT), developed by AMSA (both water and wastewater tools available) www.VSATusers.net
For more information Rural Community Assistance Partnership (888) 321-7227 www.rcap.org Jbarrett@rcap.org