Emergency Response and Contingency Planning for Water System Operators
By Sylvia Wong, B.Sc, B.Tech, CPHI(C)
As a water system operator, you play a significant frontline role in safeguarding the health of your water users, especially during an emergency. When emergencies strike, whether from infrastructure failure, contamination, or natural disasters, having a robust and well thought out emergency response and contingency plan (ERCP) is essential to protecting public health and reducing long-term impacts.
A damaged booster station from wildfire in the Shuswap.
What is an Emergency Response and Contingency Plan (ERCP)?
An ERCP is a written document, developed by the water supplier, providing guidance and procedures for dealing with anticipated problems before the onset of a drinking water emergency. An effective ERCP removes guesswork when stress is high and allows everyone dealing with the emergency to be on the same page. It gives you a clear roadmap when time and information are limited. It is also a legislative requirement under the Drinking Water Protection Act (DWPA) and Drinking Water Protection Regulation (DWPR).
Know Your System Risks and Vulnerabilities
The first step in developing an ERCP is to complete a risk assessment to identify the hazards and vulnerabilities associated with the water system from source-to-tap. Keep it realistic and site-specific. A small water system will have different priorities than a large municipal system. The goal is not to predict every scenario, but to be ready for the most probable ones.
Build an Effective, Practical, Feasible Plan
An effective ERCP is simple, clear, and easy to follow with step-by-step procedures for common emergencies. Knowing what to do, who to contact, and how to communicate during an emergency helps to prevent unnecessary complications that can prolong outages, create added expenses and lead to illnesses.
Communication: Fast, Clear and Consistent
During an emergency, communication can make or break your response. You need to be able to alert your water users quickly. The ERCP should have an up-to-date contact list and a communication plan to efficiently relay public notifications and pertinent information. This will ensure messages are communicated quickly and clearly in a consistent manner to avoid confusion by staff and water users.
Train Like It’s Real
A plan sitting on a shelf collecting dust will not help in a real event either. Training builds confidence and exposes gaps before they become real problems. Practice tabletop exercises and regularly test equipment such as backup generators. Being prepared makes for a confident and effective operator.
Plan for Continuity – Contingency, Not Just Response
Contingency planning is just as important in keeping the water system running. Consider how you will keep the system in service when key staff are unavailable. Cross-training staff can ensure that multiple staff are well versed in dealing with emergencies.
Review, Learn and Improve
Review and update your ERCP annually or after any major incident. Incorporate lessons learned and feedback from staff. Even small adjustments, such as updating contacts, can improve the response time and effectiveness of your ERCP.
Learn how to develop your ERCP by taking the free instructor-led or self-directed courses via BC Small Water Systems Online Help Center: https://smallwatersystemsbc.ca/.