Drinking Water Security 

To review copies of these laws:

• The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act (see Title IV)
• The Safe Drinking Water Act

SDWARN is a utility created and driven mutual aid/assistance program.  It is a means of receiving help from and giving help to neighboring water/wastewater utilities when responding to and/or recovering from an emergency.  This is a tool member utilities can use when the inevitable flood, ice storm, blizzard, fire or even a human-caused event occurs.  While we all hope these never occur, WARN is an insurance policy in case they do occur and a utility needs assistance in response and recovery activities.  The WARN fact sheet provides answers that you may have.

To become a member of South Dakota WARN, a signed mutual aid agreement must be submitted to the statewide committee chairman, Brad Lawrence.  The mutual aid agreement means to address the administrative and legal issues prior to an event/disaster so focus can be completely on response and recovery.  To become a member, water/wastewater utility representatives must sign the agreement as it is. 

• EPA’s Emergency/Incidence Planning, Response and Recovery website provides numerous reference documents including emergency response guidances for small and large water systems, planning for an emergency drinking water supply, pandemic planning, top 10 list for small GW systems protect themselves, message mapping and containment and disposal of large amounts of contaminated water.
• Natural disasters and other types of incidents can disrupt drinking water and wastewater systems. EPA provides information to water consumers, water and wastewater utilities, and private well and septic owners to help in emergency/incident response efforts.
• "Security Vulnerability Assessment Guide for Small Drinking Water Systems Less Than 3,300".
• Brochures "Providing Security for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in South Dakota" and "Neighborhood Watch Program"
• "Guidelines for the Physical Security of Water Utilities"
• The Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) is a secure, online database that provides current, reliable information on chemical, biological and radiological contaminants of concern for water security.  To apply for a password, click on this link. www.epa.gov/wcit
• "Drinking Water Security for Small Water Systems Serving 3,300 or Fewer Persons".
• "Features of an Active and Effective Protective Program for Water and Wastewater Utilities"
• This threat identification checklist can be used by utilities to record information when a threat against your water system is made.

• South Dakota's Department of Homeland Security
• South Dakota's Office of Emergency Management
• National Incident Management System (NIMS)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health
• USEPA collection of Water Utility Consumer Confidence Reports
• The American Water Works Association has security reference books available for purchase.  Visit their website at www.awwa.org .
• Visit the United States Department of Homeland at www.dhs.gov and review the document entitled "Citizen Guidance on the Homeland Security Advisory System" to learn how you and your family can prepare for the unexpected.  Also learn about citizen preparedness at www.ready.gov