This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of key water interdependencies and the benefits of community projects. Three case studies are presented, the first being at Seattle-King County with the goals of:documenting current active and effective security and emergency practices relatedto a community's water sector; and,serving as a model for other communities. Thebasic methodology included:establishing a guidance team of local agencies from multiple sectors;conducting meetings with individual utilities to collect information on watersecurity practices;hosting a workshop with utilities and collaborative agencies; and,meeting with local elected officials to strengthen support for security andpreparedness. The second case study was at the Chicagoland Water andWastewater Business Resiliency Pilot, with the goals of:fostering a more comprehensive understanding of potentialimpacts of water infrastructure loss or interruption;fostering better mutual understanding between the water sectorutilities, and their customers;identifying preparedness gaps in the public and private sectors; and,building regional capacity to prepare for, and respond to, a wateremergency. The basic methodology included:emphasizing establishing long-standing relationships and ongoingdialogue between public and private sectors;Water and Wastewater Preparedness and Business ResiliencySummit; and,Region 5 post-summit activities were focused on education,exercises, emergency planning, water conservation, andpromoting continued dialogue between utilities and theircustomers. The third case study involved hospitals and water and had the following goals: improving understanding of public-private sector interdependencies;fostering a greater understanding of water infrastructure operations;increasing water sector and hospital sector understanding of the potentialimpacts from water sector service disruptions; and,identifying resources and next steps needed to prepare for, respond to, andrecover from a water sector emergency. Thebasic methodology included: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(USEPA) Region 5 and Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council cosponsoredHospital and Water Sector Interdependency Summit: KeepingPatients Safe in September of 2008; and,following up on needs identified during the Summit.
