Utilities prepare for potential pandemic

American Water Works Association (AWWA) organized a pandemic round table discussion of a select group of public health and utility professionals to discuss the preparedness for a potential pandemic. The strategies discussed included establishing and procuring emergency kits and storing those at critical pump stations and treatment facilities. They have also developed a plan for cross-training the critical water treatment and pipeline personnel that includes the supply, treatment, and distribution functions. AWWA acts as a coordinator between key entities such as law enforcement, emergency responders, water systems, and health directors for information and clinical materials such as vaccines. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is also assisting states and utilities to prepare for a pandemic by supporting business continuity efforts in a variety of ways and nominate water systems staff for priority access to vaccines and antiviral drugs.