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Emergency Response for Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities
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Emergency Drinking Water Supply Guidance

Large-scale disasters can cause significant disruptions to water services. These two resources will help drinking water/wastewater utilities and state drinking water primacy agencies develop an emergency drinking water supply (EDWS) plan.

Water Utility Planning for an Emergency Drinking Water Supply

This resource helps drinking water utilities develop an EDWS Plan. Please also check out planning guidance for hospitals and healthcare facilities.

  • Planning for an Emergency Drinking Water Supply (pdf) (838.97 KB, June 2011, 600-R-11-054)

State Primacy Agency Planning for an Emergency Drinking Water Supply

An EDWS plan is an important tool for a state drinking water primacy agency that will allow for optimum coordination with the state Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders. This updated resource has more information on EDWS distribution management and several examples and case studies to better help state primacy agencies develop an EDWS Plan and comply with 40 CFR 142, Subpart B.

  • State Emergency Drinking Water Supply Plan Guidance (pdf) (571.81 KB, April 2023, 817B22006)

NOTE: The PDF files use Javascript.  In order to access the Word template that is imbedded within the PDF, please download the PDF file to your computer and open the PDF file with a PDF reader.  If you are still having problems with accessing the Word template, email dwresilience@epa.gov.

  • Water Utility Response Home
  • Plan For Emergencies
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Last updated on April 12, 2023
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