AWWA JAW58670

Although most utilities have disaster plans, making them work in the face of an actual emergency requires a vigilant, organization-wide approach to identifying potential threats, whether naturally occurring or human made, and training everyone in the organization how to respond in such an event. A variety of information indicates that threats to water systems and utilities are increasing. This article is of interest to utility managers and regulators because it presents the state-of-practice in preparing for and surviving disasters, and it draws primarily on the experience of others in making its recommendations. By considering the organization-wide approach advocated in the article, water suppliers can improve the security and reliability of their systems. Includes 51 references, tables, figures.