DENVER, Colo., Sept. 23, 2003 -- The American Water Works Association (AWWA), the authoritative resource on safe drinking water, has announced it has received $1 million in federal funding to expand its broad range of security and emergency response training programs.
AWWA's five training programs include vulnerability assessment training, security hardware education, crisis communications preparation, an online emergency response planning course, and coordination planning among emergency response agencies. The programs will benefit managers, superintendents and others involved in addressing security at more than 1,200 water systems nationwide.
"AWWA strongly supports utilities' efforts to secure water supplies and prepare for emergency situations," said Jack Hoffbuhr, AWWA Executive Director. "We are pleased that this funding will allow AWWA to expand its training programs and help water suppliers meet today's high standards of preparedness."
The 2003 appropriation was awarded by U.S. Congress for drinking water security activities. The responsible federal agency for disbursing the funds is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Established in 1881, AWWA is the oldest and largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe drinking water in North America. AWWA has over 57,000 members worldwide and its 4,500 utility members serve 80 percent of America's population. Immediately following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, AWWA, in partnership with U.S. EPA, was among the first to offer counter terrorism and security trainings for the water industry.
AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of drinking water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the drinking water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
