We never know when an emergency situation might occur that will interrupt the usual water treatment operations a city has in place. Whether the catastrophe is caused by a storm, a disease epidemic, enormous industrial spills, or terrorist attacks, the need for clean drinking water will still be of maximum importance. Having emergency response plans ready in order to deal with any emergency situation that could occur will be critical in preventing deaths and will be critically important in recovery efforts. You need to make provision for emergency water filters prior to needing them.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has training and planning resources for municipal preparedness available on the Internet: www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm. The Department of Homeland Security also has information available which includes a variety of downloadable brochures, family emergency plans, and check lists. In addition, National Incident Management Systems information must be given to all municipal employees who could be involved in any large-scale disaster. Information about this training is located at: www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/press_release_0363.shtm.

If a widespread emergency should occur, there will be a lot of responsibilities which could fall on the shoulders of municipal water treatment workers. These could include getting rid of large amounts of unhealthy wastes that threaten water supplies, dealing with insufficient back-up power, and utilizing preparedness plans that no one has ever completely tested. The health and well-being of the people of the community are going to be the responsibility of these people, so their advance training is critical to the success of any relief activities.

While a metropolitan area is preparing for possible emergency situations, there are some things directly related to the maintenance of safe drinking water which they must take care of including:
* Identify facilities within flood plains that contain hazardous substances so that they can be protected and not infiltrate the water system.
* Make plans for back-up drinking water.
* Identify municipal facilities that house oil and hazardous materials.

You’ve no doubt heard the news reports telling about the lack of clean drinking water in areas where disasters have occurred, and you know that it’s imperative for every community to make plans for exactly what they will do, such as providing for a portable water purification system, if they ever find themselves facing a a disaster situation. Developing emergency water treatment plans prior to them being needed will stand you in good stead if your city is struck with a disaster situation sometime in the future.