AWWA encourages mutual aid networks among utilities

The American Water Works Association (AWWA), along with other water agencies, today announced a Joint Policy Statement on Mutual Aid & Assistance Networks. This "Utilities Helping Utilities" concept encourages utilities and local/state governments to establish intrastate mutual aid and assistance networks for disasters such as what struck the Gulf Coast in Hurricane Katrina...

Feb. 17, 2006

2 min read

In times of disaster, utilities should help each other, says AWWA, other water agencies

DENVER, Feb. 15, 2006 -- The American Water Works Association (AWWA), along with other water agencies, today announced a Joint Policy Statement on Mutual Aid & Assistance Networks. This "Utilities Helping Utilities" concept encourages utilities and local/state governments to establish intrastate mutual aid and assistance networks.

"Hurricane Katrina was a real wake up call to the whole country," said AWWA Executive Director Jack Hoffbuhr. "The water community has a long history of working towards emergency preparedness, and these mutual aid networks are the next step. They will provide rapid, short-term deployment of emergency assistance to any water or wastewater utility affected by either natural or manmade events."

According to the joint statement: "A pre-established agreement among a network of utilities can complement and enhance local capabilities to prepare for and respond to a broad range of threats, both natural and man-made. The establishment of such intrastate mutual aid and assistance networks is a core principle of the National Preparedness Goal developed by the Department of Homeland Security."

A copy of the full statement can be found at: www.awwa.org/Advocacy/govtaff/Documents/Security.cfm.

More information on security and disaster recovery can be found on AWWA's Web site at: www.awwa.org/Advocacy/govtaff/issues/Issue08_Security.cfm.

Based in Denver with offices also in Washington, DC, AWWA (www.awwa.org) is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of 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 water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.

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