Emergency Response

AWIA - What do you need to know?

You have probably heard about the American Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) that was passed in 2018. AWIA requires community drinking water systems serving 3,300 or more to create risk assessments and update emergency response plans (ERPs). The law specifies the components that the risk assessments and ERPs must address, and establishes deadlines by which water systems must certify to EPA completion of the risk assessment and ERP. Learn more about the requirements, including important deadlines, by visiting EPA's website

The "risk assessment" is what we formerly called the "Vulnerability Self-Assessment" or SVA. The easiest way to complete one is using EPA's tool.

A simple way to complete the ERP is by using DEQ's online tool! Create an account and walk through the tool here. Or explore the tools below for ERPs. 

Pre-Disaster Planning:

Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

Risk and Resiliency Planning

Vulnerability Assessments are now called Risk and Resiliency Assessments. To complete yours and be in compliance for AWIA requirements use EPA's resources: 

Asset Management Planning

Operations and Maintenance Manuals

Emergency Planning Exercises

State Hazard Mitigation Plan

Resilience Guides

Cybersecurity - Remember, AWIA requires Public Water Systems to consider cybersecurity as part of their risk assessment.

Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water

Capacity Development

During an Emergency

Public Notices

Post-Disaster Follow-Up