Revised Policy Statement: Emergency Preparedness and Security

AWWA Policy: Emergency Preparedness and Security

August 11, 2023

The following revised AWWA Policy Statement on Emergency Preparedness and Security has been approved by the Technical and Educational Council for member comment.

Comments on the policy statement will be reviewed by AWWA staff and forwarded to the Executive Committee if the comments are minor, or referred back to the originating body if the comments are substantive. Policies forwarded to the Executive Committee will be reviewed for approval and final action.

Revised AWWA Policy Statement on Emergency Preparedness and Security 

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) encourages water service providers to adopt 
an all-hazards risk and resilience management strategy and programs to protect, prevent, 
mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover from threats to critical infrastructure in the water sector.
Programs should be informed by AWWA guidance and best practices (e.g., NIMS, ICS, WARN)
along with applicable federal, state/provincial, tribal, and local laws, guidance and regulations to 
ensure continuity of service by integrating emergency preparedness and security best practices 
into the reliable and uninterrupted delivery of water services and the protection of public health 
and the environment.

Water service providers should integrate emergency preparedness and security into their 
culture, including establishing and maintaining whole community partnerships at local, 
state/provincial, federal, and tribal levels and other critical agencies (e.g., health, fire, law 
enforcement). It is the responsibility of all personnel (managers, supervisors, and workers) to be 
trained, aware, and vigilant in supporting risk mitigation and resilience management 
protocols. All water service provider staff should apply these protocols in their daily work 
process and training programs, following an all-hazards and threats approach which includes 
understanding and mitigating risks from natural, physical, and cyber threats that could threaten 
public health and the environment, and compromise continuity of service.

Practices specified in this policy statement are consistent with all other pertinent AWWA policy 
statements.

Adopted by the Board of Directors June 22, 2006. Revisions approved by the Board of Directors 
June 12, 2011, and Jan. 14, 2015, April 20, 2020.

Submit comments by September 15, 2023.