Common Challenges Faced by Water Treatment Facilities During FloodsAuthor: Dr. Hossein Ataei FarAs severe weather events such as flooding and dr...
Published on by Hossein Ataei Far, Deputy Manager of the Research, Technology Development, and Industry Relations Center at NWWEC
Author: Dr. Hossein Ataei Far
As severe weather events such as flooding and droughts become more frequent and intense due to climate change, community leaders are struggling to strengthen public infrastructure to protect their communities, all while dealing with budget limitations and other priorities. One of the most crucial steps community leaders can take to prepare for extreme weather is to create a contingency plan – a rapid-response action plan that can be quickly activated in case of severe weather to reduce damage and downtime. This plan includes vital information about flood-prone areas and the necessary equipment for when severe weather strikes.
Floods can pose significant challenges to water treatment facilities, disrupting operations and potentially compromising the safety of the water supply. Some of the most common challenges encountered during floods include:
1. Contamination of Raw Water Sources:
Increased turbidity and debris can overwhelm treatment processes and make it difficult to produce clean water.
2. Damage to Infrastructure:
Floodwaters can damage critical infrastructure such as intake structures, pumps, pipelines, and treatment equipment.
3. Power Outages:
Floods can cause power outages, which can shut down treatment facilities and prevent them from operating.
4. Staffing and Access Issues:
Floods can make it difficult for staff to access the treatment facility and perform their duties.
5. Public Health Concerns:
Floods can increase the risk of waterborne diseases due to contamination of the water supply and disruption of sanitation services.
6. Environmental Impacts: Floods can release untreated wastewater and other pollutants into the environment. Sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) occur during floods.
7. Insurance and Financial Impacts:
Floods can cause significant damage to infrastructure and equipment, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all losses, and financial recovery can be a long process.
References
[1] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-Preparing for and Responding to Flooding at Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities.
[2] Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT).
[3] Floods - Natural Disasters and Severe Weather (CDC).
[4] Drinking Water and Sanitation - Floods - Natural Disasters and Severe Weather (CDC).
[5] Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
[6] Floods - Ready.gov: https://lnkd.in/dfTwBWa2
[7] American Water Works Association (AWWA): https://www.awwa.org/
[8] Water Environment Federation (WEF): https://www.wef.org/
[9] National Association of Clean Water Agencies.
[10] Planning for Every Contingency - https://lnkd.in/dZxpBmsn