This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of key water interdependencies and the benefits of community projects. Three case studies are presented, the first being at Seattle-King County with the goals of:
documenting current active and effective security and emergency practices related
to a community's water sector; and,
serving as a model for other communities. The
basic methodology included:
establishing a guidance team of local agencies from multiple sectors;
conducting meetings with individual utilities to collect information on water
security practices;
hosting a workshop with utilities and collaborative agencies; and,
meeting with local elected officials to strengthen support for security and
preparedness. The second case study was at the Chicagoland Water and
Wastewater Business Resiliency Pilot, with the goals of:
fostering a more comprehensive understanding of potential
impacts of water infrastructure loss or interruption;
fostering better mutual understanding between the water sector
utilities, and their customers;
identifying preparedness gaps in the public and private sectors; and,
building regional capacity to prepare for, and respond to, a water
emergency. The basic methodology included:
emphasizing establishing long-standing relationships and ongoing
dialogue between public and private sectors;
Water and Wastewater Preparedness and Business Resiliency
Summit; and,
Region 5 post-summit activities were focused on education,
exercises, emergency planning, water conservation, and
promoting continued dialogue between utilities and their
customers. The third case study involved hospitals and water and had the following goals:
improving understanding of public-private sector interdependencies;
fostering a greater understanding of water infrastructure operations;
increasing water sector and hospital sector understanding of the potential
impacts from water sector service disruptions; and,
identifying resources and next steps needed to prepare for, respond to, and
recover from a water sector emergency. The
basic methodology included: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) Region 5 and Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council cosponsored
Hospital and Water Sector Interdependency Summit: Keeping
Patients Safe in September of 2008; and,
following up on needs identified during the Summit.