Resources

Water-related Emergency Preparedness and Response Topics

Wastewater Emergency Response Plan Guidance Document (PDF, 2.46 MB, 83 pages), published by the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) in collaboration with the EPA. This tool assists wastewater systems in preparing their Emergency Response Plans (ERPs). It is intended to help wastewater systems to organize their planning efforts, and to provide a reference for the types of information and data that should be included in an emergency response plan. The document includes guidance for the following:

• Roles and responsibilities
• Communication procedures
• Personnel safety
• Emergency storage and disposal provisions
• Action plans

Water and Wastewater Case Study (PDF, 595.18 KB, 12 pages) assists communities with decontamination and recovery planning. Decontamination is a critical component of the recovery phase of a water system contamination incident. Pre-planning and coordination for decontamination and recovery of a water system can minimize the impacts of a water contamination incident to public health and the environment. Most utilities are familiar with decontamination methods such as flushing and chlorination associated with returning a broken distribution line to service or a water system contaminated with a conventional, regulated contaminant. However, to decontaminate and return a water system to service following a non-conventional chemical, biological, or radiological contamination incident requires effective pre-planning, communication, and coordination.

Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) is a secure, online database developed by the EPA that provides information on contaminants of concern for water security. As a planning tool, WCIT can be used to help create and update emergency response plans and site-specific response guidelines. As a response tool, WCIT can be used to provide real-time data on water contaminants to help utilities make decisions if contamination occurs.

Additional References

The resources below deal with issues specific to septic systems and wastewater. For more information on general emergency preparedness and response topics, please visit CDC's Emergency Preparedness and Response site.

Cornell Cooperative Extension. Water Quality: Septic Systems and Wastewater. Available at http://waterquality.cce.cornell.edu/septic.htm.

National Small Flows Clearinghouse at West Virginia University. Pipeline Newsletter. Available at http://www.nsfc.wvu.edu/pdf/WW/publications/pipline/PL_FA97.pdf (PDF, 280.11 KB, 8 pages).

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Emergency/Incident Planning. Available at http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/home.cfm?program_id=8.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Septic (Onsite) Systems, Tools and Resources. Available at http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/septic.cfm?page_id=269.

National Ag Safety Database. Flooded Private Sewage Systems: Safety, Sanitation and Clean-Up Concerns. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001501-d001600/d001564/d001564.html.