Why an Emergency Response Plan matters for public utilities

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) are vital for Community Water Systems (CWS) to respond to emergencies and incidents that affect potable water operations.
• ERPs are required for all Community Water Systems that serve 3,301 people or more but remain important for all water utilities serving the public.
• ERPs must be updated every five years and recertified in accordance with the America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) and the utility's state agency. 

​An ERP outlines the strategies, procedures and resources a utility uses to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies that could affect the safety and reliability of drinking water. These plans cover a wide range of critical threats and are essential for Community Water Systems (CWS) to maintain effective operations.

In 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) mandated ERPs for any CWS that serve 3,301 or more people. The ERP must be updated every five years in accordance with the AWIA, and compliance deadlines are fast approaching for municipalities above certain population thresholds.

Here, we'll look at what goes into creating an Emergency Response Plan and why those plans matter for public utilities.

ERPs are documented, actionable strategies that are routinely checked by the utility's state regulatory agency. For the utility, ERPs are also practice guides on the threats and consequences identified under the required Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA). These plans include:

• Procedures and documentation of available resources for responding to incidents.
• Communication protocols, including key contacts of utilities, first responders and key administrative staff.
• Mitigation actions such as alternative source water options and/or interconnected utilities and cybersecurity response actions after an incident.

ERPs also account for a wide range of threats or unplanned occurrences, some of which include:

• Manmade, like unauthorized access or cyberterrorism.
• Natural hazards, like flooding, tornadoes or ice storms.
• Key proximity and dependency hazards, such as operator shortages, financial shortages and aging infrastructure.

ERPs can be crucial tools for guiding an appropriate response to unplanned events that disrupt normal utility operation. Beyond regulatory compliance, ERPs help utilities strengthen resilience, improve communication with local partners and build confidence with the communities they serve. A strong plan is not just a document – it's a lifeline during critical events.

If your utility is approaching an ERP deadline – or if you simply want to strengthen your emergency preparedness – our team has the knowledge and expertise to help you create a clear, compliant and actionable ERP. From assessment to plant development and submittal, we can guide you through the ERP creation process to ensure your utility is equipped to respond to any occurrence that jeopardizes safe, reliable drinking water.