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Security
Emergency Response Planning
CoWarn
Reporting a Security Incident
Systems
should report any actual, threatened, or suspected tampering no later
than 10 a.m. of the next calendar day. Written notice of the
incident should be provided to the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) within 5 calendar days.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
(CDPHE)
24-Hour Hotline: 1-877-518-5608
Tamper: to introduce a contaminant
into a public water system or into drinking water or to
otherwise interfere with drinking water or the operation of a
public water system with the intention of harming persons or
public water systems.
Security Resources
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): Water
Infrastructure Security Enhancements (WISE) Training CD contains
security guidance documents for water and wastewater, MS PowerPoint
presentations, trainer’s guide, quizzes, and exams. Free CD may be
requested by sending your name, address, and affiliation to
wise@asce.org.
EPA Water Security
- EPA’s portal to water security resources.
- Vulnerability Assessment Tools (VSAT, SEMS)
- Response Protocol Toolbox
- Emergency Planning Guidance
- Security Enhancements/Research
- Security Product Guides
Water Information
Sharing and Analysis Center
Comprehensive resource for up-to-date security information.
Security Planning
EPA's Security Product Guide
A series of Security Product Guides to assist treatment plant operators
and utility managers in reducing risks from, and providing protection
against, possible natural disasters and intentional terrorist attacks.
Security Checklist 
Basic security checklist for drinking water systems.
Terrorism Protective Measures Resource Guide
Recommended security measures for each Homeland Security threat level.
Small System Emergency
Response Plan Template
Additional Resources:
Emergency Response Planning
Emergency Response
All water systems are encouraged to develop emergency response plans
based on vulnerability assessments conducted for their individual
systems.* Emergency response plans help lead to sound decisions during
emergencies by enabling a system to quickly act upon concerns such as
these:
- How can I minimize the impact to public health?
- How can I protect my water system from further damage?
- Who should I call for help?
- What are my reporting requirements?
Several resources are available to assist water systems with their
emergency response planning.
Colorado Rural Water
Association (CRWA),
Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP), and the Water Quality
Control Division all have tools available to assist you in your
emergency planning. For details, please call us or visit the CRWA and
RCAP websites. Additional information is also available at
www.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity.
*Community Water Systems serving populations greater than 3,300 were
required to complete vulnerability assessments and emergency response
plans by December 31, 2004.
Emergency Response Documents
Emergency response forms and checklists [PDF - 264KB] - Forms and
checklists from the EPA’s Response Guidelines document with quick-link
table of contents for easy access to individual forms.
Response Protocol Toolbox: Response Guidelines [PDF - 1,470KB - 75
pp]
- Easy-to-use action-oriented document for field and crisis
conditions
- Assists water systems, labs, first responders, technical
advisors, and public health and law enforcement officials during
management of ongoing contamination threat or incident
- Response Guidelines are the application of the same principles
contained in the RPTB
- Users should adapt Guidelines as necessary to meet their own
needs and objectives
Protective Measures Resource Guide [PDF - 468 KB] – Recommended
security measures for Homeland Security threat levels.
Pandemic
Checklist [PDF - 130 KB] – Business continuity planning for water
systems.
Emergency Response Planning Overview for Small Non-Community Public
Water Systems [PDF - 65 KB]
Response Procedures for Intentional Contamination of a Public Water
Supply
The Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) staff will promptly respond
to a credible report of an intentionally contaminated public water
supply in cooperation with law enforcement and emergency management
staff. Procedures for both the WQCD and the water system are provided
below.
Response
Procedures for Public Water System
Response Procedures
for Water Quality Control Division
Emergency Disinfection Procedures
Security
Regulations
Report
an Incident
Colorado’s Water/Wastewater Agency
Response Network
(CoWARN)
CoWARN is a formalized system of "utilities helping utilities"
designed to facilitate mutual aid during emergency situations. It is
driven by utilities, for utilities. The project's infrastructure
consists of a secure web-based event tracking system and a practical
mutual aid agreement designed to
reduce bureaucratic red tape in times of emergency.
CoWARN works with various industry groups and public agencies linking
the Colorado Water community to provide these resources and services:
- Preparedness Aids - Tools and security protocols to aid in
continual risk assessment and updating Emergency Response Plans.
- Message Mapping - A series of updated boiler-plate public
information and press release templates tailored to provide
immediate public response.
- Communications -
- Annual statewide meetings to bring together both significant
state authorities and national interests, providing the best and
latest insights to power a utility's ongoing preparedness
process. These meetings will include workshops in utilizing
CoWARN to the best advantage.
- Technologies to facilitate sharing of information between
members.
- Outreach - Through cooperating entities, CoWARN will offer
emergency preparedness and related regulatory liaison services to
requesting members.
To become a member, please visit the
CoWARN web site and
complete the member application.
Capacity Building Unit II
Safe Drinking Water Program ||
Water Quality Control Division
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