Planning for emergencies

Accidents happen. Contingency plans are critical to preparing for and responding to emergency situations. When accidents occur, contingency plans may need to identify alternative sources of drinking water.

It is important to:

• Notify individuals responsible for activities and facilities with the potential for accidental releases that they are within a source water protection area
• Provide them with detailed emergency response instructions if accidents occur

EPA's Water Security program has more information about assessing water system vulnerabilities and the actions that drinking water systems can take in response to a major event.

Review EPA's Water Security program tools