本文总结了美国供水系统可靠性的历史，供水如何随着国家的发展而发展，应急准备和管理逐渐出现，地震对供水的影响，恐怖主义的威胁，河流和沿海洪水和飓风造成的供水中断，基础设施老化，水性污染物对公众健康和信心的威胁、全面的风险管理、公用事业公司的应急计划、组织承诺和领导能力、应急管理所必需的最佳实践以及愿景和承诺是未来规划的要求。 包括20个参考文献、表格、图表。

This article summarizes the history of the reliability of U.S. water systems, how the water supply developed as the nation grew, emergency preparedness and management emerged gradually, effect of earthquakes on water supply, the threat of terrorism, disruption of water supplies from river and coastal flooding and hurricanes, aging infrastructure, the threat of waterborne contaminants to public health and confidence, comprehensive risk management, emergency planning by utilities, organizational commitment and leadership, best practices essential to emergency management, and vision and commitment are requirements for future planning. Includes 20 references, table, figures.