1. Institutionalizing Drinking Water Security: Making the Issues Real for Small System Capacity Development Joy Barrett Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Rocky Mountain Section AWWA/WEA September 13, 2004

2. The Challenges:  Institutionalize security measures;  Make security and preparedness relevant to small systems.

3. Sanitary Surveys & Vulnerability Assessments: A Comparison The EPA/State Joint Guidance on Sanitary Surveys (December 1995) outlines eight elements as integral components of a sanitary survey. They are: Water source; Treatment; Distribution system; Finished water storage; Pumps, pump facilities, and controls; Monitoring, reporting, and data verification; Water system management and operations; and Operator compliance with State requirements. The 2002 Bioterrorism Act requires the VA to include a review of: Pipes and constructed conveyances; Physical barriers; Water collection, pre- treatment, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities; Electronic, computer, or other automated systems that are utilized by the public water system; The use, storage, or handling of various chemicals; and The operation and maintenance of that system.

4. The Vulnerability Assessment Process* 1. Inventory critical system components. 2. Identify vulnerabilities. 3. Identify actions to address vulnerabilities. 4. Prioritize actions. *from ASDWA/NRWA tool

5. Addressing Vulnerabilities: Security and Risk-Reduction Measures  Business and management practices, e.g., new policies and employee safety training, improved communications plans  System upgrades, e.g., replacing equipment, modifying processes  Security Improvements, e.g., locking chemicals and gases, repairing fences

7. Emergency Response Plan – Core Elements* 1. System-Specific Information 2. CWS Roles and Responsibilities 3. Communication Procedures 4. Personnel Safety 5. Identification of Alternate Water Sources 6. Replacement Equipment and Chemical Supplies 7. Property Protection 8. Water Sampling and Monitoring * From EPA’s Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Water Systems

8. 1. System-Specific Information  Sanitary Survey  Standard Operating Procedures Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial

9. 2. CWS Roles and Responsibilities  Hierarchy of decision-makers Capacity Development Arena: Managerial

10. 3. Communication Procedures  Who are the first-responders and how can they be contacted?  Public notification and instruction  Mitigation Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial

11. 4. Personnel Safety  Protective equipment  Evacuation plans  Communication channels with emergency personnel Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial

12. 5. Identification of Alternate Water Sources  Estimation of needed quantities  Agreements with neighboring systems  Funds to purchase bottled water Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial

13. 6. Replacement Equipment and Chemical Supplies  Relative priority of equipment and supplies?  Funds availability to have sufficient replacements on hand  Shelf life or periodic inspections of replacements  Policies to acquire, maintain Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial

14. 7. Property Protection  Nature of threat  nature of protective response  Policies and training on protection Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial

15. 8. Water Sampling and Monitoring  Water sampling skills  Water sampling supplies and equipment  Location of, and communication with analytical laboratories  Personnel and training on above Capacity Development Arenas: Technical, Managerial, Financial

16. Resources Security Vulnerability Self-Assessment Guide for Small Drinking Water Systems (ASDWA/NRWA) www.asdwa.org www.asdwa.org Preparing for the Unexpected: Security for Small Water Systems (NETCSC) www.netc.wvu.edu

17. Resources (continued) Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Community Water Systems, EPA 816-R-04-002 www.epa.gov/safewater/security www.epa.gov/safewater/security RCAP’s Safe Drinking Water Trust eBulletin www.watertrust.org AWWA Small Utility Network www.awwa.org/science/sun/

18. Resources (continued) Automated Security Survey & Evaluation Tool (ASSET), developed by NEWWA www.newwa.org Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool (VSAT), developed by AMSA (both water and wastewater tools available) www.VSATusers.net

19. For more information Rural Community Assistance Partnership (888) 321-7227 www.rcap.org Jbarrett@rcap.org