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Vulnerability Assessment
and
Emergency Response Planning

The United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA/RD) is requiring that all systems that receive USDA/RD funding must complete a Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP). In addition to the USDA/RD requirements, the preparation of a SVA and ERP will help improve the management of the water system and will increase the system’s ability to respond to emergencies.

Please contact Michigan RCAP for more information or to help with your Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Response Plan.

Vulnerability Assessment

A Vulnerability Self-Assessment will help small drinking water and wastewater systems determine potential vulnerable components and identify security measures that should be considered. A “vulnerability assessment” is the identification of weaknesses in system security, focusing on defined threats that could compromise its ability to provide adequate potable water, and/or water for firefighting. Adequate security measures will help prevent loss of service through terrorist acts, vandalism, or pranks. If your system is prepared, such actions may even be prevented. The appropriate level of security is best determined by the water system at the local level.

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Emergency Response Plan

Once the weaknesses of a water or wastewater system have been identified through the vulnerability assessment, a systematic approach must be undertaken to reduce the risks those weaknesses may pose. To prioritize actions, system managers and operators must understand the relative risks to public health of the vulnerabilities identified. In prioritizing corrective measures, it’s crucial to remember that many security-enhancing measures do not have to cost a lot of money. For example, if not already in place, the water plant should implement a new policy whereby employees return keys at the end of their employment. Chemicals and gases should be locked and secured, and fences repaired.

The core elements of an Emergency Response Plan define areas for protective measures.
Those elements are:

1. System-Specific Information
2. Roles and Responsibilities
3. Communication Procedures
4. Personnel Safety
5. Identification of Alternate Water Sources
6. Replacement Equipment and Chemical Supplies
7. Property Protection
8. Water Sampling and Monitoring

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What now?
Okay, you’ve followed all these steps and have a completed Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Response Plan. It was a lot of work, but you can just file those away and forget about them, right?

NOPE! Vulnerability Assessments and Emergency Response Plans should be reviewed and revised at least every two years, or whenever you have significant changes to your system. Phone numbers change and people move on. It’s too late to find out during an emergency that the contact information is out of date, and you don’t know who to notify. Michigan RCAP can help create and update your Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Response Plan.

And perhaps most important, PRACTICE your Emergency Response Plan! Lost electricity and your phones are out of order? What about cellphones or walkie-talkies, or even a bull horn mounted on top of a truck to notify people. Find what works, and what needs to be fixed, then fix it before there is a real emergency.

You will be glad you did.