According to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, the Water Sector is a lifeline essential to overall community restoration. Drinking water and wastewater utilities support the continued operation of nearly every other sector within the community. However in recent emergencies, utilities have not received prioritization of resources necessary to continue or restore service. In addition, drinking water and wastewater utilities lack support to make critical enhancements to aging infrastructure. Within USEPA, the Water Security Division is responsible for assisting the Water Sector in preventing, detecting, responding and recovering from all hazards. Recently, utilities have identified the need for emergency managers to understand the requirements of the Water Sector so that they can be better prepared to assist utilities before, during and after an emergency.
