In order to maintain daily operations and patient care services, healthcare facilities should develop an Emergency Water Supply Plan (EWSP) to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a total or partial interruption of the water supply. An EWSP provides a roadmap for a healthcare facility’s response and recovery efforts in the event of a water supply interruption by providing the guidance to assess water usage, response capabilities, and water alternatives.
In the event of a natural disaster, infrastructure failure, or any other emergency, the availability of clean and safe water becomes a critical issue. For facilities such as hospitals, schools, and large commercial buildings, an Emergency Water Supply Plan (EWSP) is essential. This plan makes sure that these facilities can maintain operations and provide necessary services even during a water supply disruption.
Let’s explore the importance of having an EWSP, the key components of such a plan, and how to implement one effectively.
An Emergency Water Supply Plan is NOT NEGOTIABLE - IT'S ESSENTIAL
Maintain the Continuity of Operations: Facilities like hospitals and schools cannot afford to shut down due to water supply issues. An EWSP will see to it that these facilities can continue to operate, providing essential services and support to their communities.
Health and Safety: Access to clean water is vital for maintaining hygiene, preventing the spread of disease, and ensuring the overall health and safety of occupants. For healthcare facilities, in particular, water is crucial for patient care, sanitation, and medical procedures.
Regulatory Compliance: Many industries are subject to regulations which require the implementation of emergency preparedness plans, including water supply continuity. An EWSP helps facilities meet these legal requirements and avoid potential fines or penalties.
Minimizing Economic Impact: Water supply interruptions can lead to significant financial losses. An EWSP helps mitigate these losses by ensuring that the facility can continue to operate, minimizing downtime and associated costs.
Key Components of an Emergency Water Supply Plan
Assessing Water Needs:- Identify Critical Functions: Determine which functions and processes within the facility are critical and require a continuous water supply. This might include patient care in hospitals, food preparation in schools, or manufacturing processes in industrial facilities.
- Calculate Water Usage: Estimate the amount of water needed for each critical function on a daily basis. This includes both potable (drinking) and non-potable (sanitation, cooling) water needs.
- Prioritize Needs: Rank the functions based on their criticality to ensure that the most essential operations receive priority during an emergency.
- On-Site Storage: Invest in large-capacity water storage tanks to store an adequate supply of water on-site. Regularly maintain and test these storage facilities to ensure water quality.
- Alternative Sources: Establish agreements with local water suppliers for emergency water deliveries. Identify nearby natural water sources, such as rivers or lakes, and develop plans for water treatment and transportation.
- Water Treatment Capabilities: Make certain the facility is equipped with water treatment systems, such as filtration and chlorination, to purify alternative water sources. Train staff on how to use these systems effectively.
Options to help meet water needs during emergencies should include:
❑ Bottled water for drinking—The volume of water will depend on individual needs, age, physical condition, activity level, diet, and climate. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water. Emergency drinking bottled water should be kept on hand sufficient enough to provide water for all employees, patients, etc. for at least 72 hours.
❑ Back-up groundwater wells—Facilities must determine how they will comply with state regulations governing the use of such wells. Wells should be tested monthly for function and quality.
❑ Use non-potable water for HVAC—This can help reduce potable water use considerably. However, non-potable water could damage the HVAC equipment and result in substantial repair costs. Filtering and treatment of the water may make non-potable supplies usable in some situations.
❑ Label faucets Non-potable/Do not drink—Maintaining an effective operations and maintenance program for cross-connection control will help minimize the potential for contamination of potable water faucets.
❑ Use large containers for food prep, handwashing and other specialized needs—Sufficient storage space can sometimes present a limitation and water must be replaced regularly (FEMA recommends every 6 months). The distribution details should be addressed in the EWSP and EOP.
❑ Use large containers and buckets (trash cans, mop buckets, etc.) for toilet flushing—The filling and distribution of these containers should be addressed in the EWSP and EO
Developing a Distribution Plan:
- Internal Distribution: Map out the internal water distribution network within the facility. Install backup pumps and piping systems to ensure water can be distributed even if the main system fails.
- External Distribution: Plan for the delivery and transportation of water from external sources to the facility. Ensure that delivery methods are compatible with the facility's infrastructure and can be quickly mobilized in an emergency.
- Accessibility: Make sure the water is easily accessible to all critical areas of the facility. Plan for manual distribution methods in case automated systems are not operational.
- Activation Criteria: Define clear criteria for when the EWSP should be activated. This could be based on the duration of the water supply interruption or the severity of the situation.
- Roles and Responsibilities: Assign specific roles and responsibilities to staff members to ensure a coordinated response. This includes designating a point person for overseeing the implementation of the EWSP.
- Communication Plan: Develop a communication strategy for informing staff, occupants, and external authorities about the activation of the EWSP. Use multiple communication channels, such as public address systems, mobile alerts, and emails.
- Regular Inspections: Schedule routine inspections of water storage tanks, treatment systems, and distribution networks to ensure they are in good working condition. Keep detailed records of maintenance activities and water quality tests.
- Plan Updates: Review and update the EWSP annually or after any significant incident or drill. Incorporate lessons learned and feedback from staff to improve the plan.
- Collaboration: Work closely with local emergency management agencies, water utilities, and other relevant authorities to ensure a coordinated response during an emergency. Participate in community-wide emergency planning initiatives.
Implementing an Emergency Water Supply Plan
Training and Drills: Regularly train staff on the EWSP and conduct drills to ensure everyone is familiar with their roles and responsibilities. Simulate different scenarios to test the plan's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
Resource Allocation: Make certain the facility has the necessary resources, such as long lasting distributable water bottles, water storage tanks, treatment systems, and backup equipment, to implement the EWSP. Allocate budget and personnel to maintain and update the plan.
Community Engagement: Engage with the local community and stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of emergency water supply planning. Collaborate with other facilities and organizations to share best practices and resources.
Wrapping it up...
An Emergency Water Supply Plan (EWSP) is a vital component of a facility's emergency preparedness strategy. By assessing water needs, identifying reliable sources, developing a robust distribution plan, establishing clear protocols, and regularly maintaining the plan, facilities can make surer they are well-prepared to handle water supply disruptions. This not only safeguards the health and safety of occupants and employees, but also ensures the continuity of critical operations and minimizes economic impact. Investing in an EWSP is investing in resilience and sustainability for the future.
For more on how to implement an EWSP for your facility check out this guide from the CDC.