Emergency Response & Preparedness

Water and wastewater systems should be prepared for emergencies including storms, ice, flooding, drought, power outages, cyberattacks, supply chain issues, worker shortages, and pandemics. Create an up-to-date Emergency Response Plan, communicate with your municipality’s Emergency Response Director, and join the VT WARN mutual aid network.

VT WARN

The Vermont Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (VT WARN) is a mutual aid network of water and wastewater systems. It is free and voluntary. Members can request assistance like extra workers or equipment during any type of emergency. Find out more and join the network at vtwarn.org

First Responder Desgnation

Public works, drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater personnel are now designated as “First Responders” in Vermont with the passage of Act 143 of 2024. Learn more here.

Vermont Rural Water and VT WARN purchased two 12-foot trailers and a number of pieces of new equipment with a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Vermont Department of Health. Water and wastewater systems that are members of VT WARN can borrow the trailers during an emergency or to perform preventative maintenance.

The new equipment includes ground penetrating radar units, portable correlators, a valve and hydrant exerciser, and a tilt-and-pan sewer line camera. This equipment will complement tools and supplies already available to systems through VT WARN and Vermont Rural Water such as safety gear, lights, generators, boats, pumps, saws, and portable tanks.

View a list of equipment available on the trailers.

General

VT WARN (webpage)

Emergency Management Director – Contact Information (webpage)

EPA’s Water Utility Response Mobile App (webpage)

Supply Chain Resiliency Guide (PDF)

Community-Based Water Resiliency Guide (PDF)

Natural Disasters

Hazard Mitigation for Natural Disasters (PDF)

Flood Resilience Guide (PDF)

Flood Resilience Flyer (PDF)

Drinking Water

Emergency Response Plan Template for Water Systems (PDF)

Risk and Resilience Assessment (webpage)

Drought Response Guide (PDF)

Guidance on Water Supply Emergencies (PDF)

Boil Water Procedure – updated 2024 (PDF)

Boil Water Notice Template (Word doc)

Do Not Drink Policy – updated 2024 (PDF)

Public Notice Certification (webpage)

Bulk Water Hauling Notification Form (PDF)

Bulk Water Hauling – Extended Time Form (PDF)

Chlorine Dosages for Storage Tank Emergency Disinfection (PDF)

Water Conservation Notice Template (Word doc)