Oct. 13th
Water and Sewer Systems
Report to Citizens

Jefferson County Emergency Preparedness Committee
Report on Water and Sewer Systems
October 13, 1999

WATER SYSTEMS

There are fifty-five community water systems in Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Services in in the process of gathering the emergency preparedness plans from each of these Systems. Here is what we already know:

  1. The water systems are all run by electricity. If we have electricity, for the most part, we have water.

    2.  
  2. Most water systems have no digital parts. They do not even know or care about Y2K

    3.  
  3. Many water systems have backup generators. The exact number and to what extent they can continue without power is part of the information that is being gathered.

EMERGENCY PLANS

There are several different types of possible water emergencies, ranging from mild to severe in nature, short to long term in duration, and isolated to countywide in scope.

A severe, long term, countywide water emergency is quite unlikely. On the other hand, we can count on having mild, short term, localized water emergencies. We just do not know exactly when or where. By preparing for the kind of minor emergencies which are most likely to occur, we establish a foundation upon which to build plans for an extremely unlikely major emergency.

ISOLATED EMERGENCIES

A typical short term emergency would be a localized power outage, such as during an ice storm. If there is no power and, for whatever reason, there is no backup generator working, the system is down.

In such an instance the power company gives priority to restoring power to a water system over lower priority outages. However, if there were still a delay, we want a system for the water system operator to get help.

One problem is that when the power is out the phones might also be out, even cell phones. An important part of the plan is to have a backup communication system, such as a ham radio system, linking up every neighborhood in the county. The water systems will be an important part of this network.

Should a water system failure go on for a long term, bottled water would need to be provided for residents. Water could be easily obtained from nearby systems. Containers would then be an issue.

One plan is to have a supply of collapsed, empty containers. They could be stored for years in very little space without even any heat. If they are not needed there is very little waste. Something as simple as zip-up type plastic bags might work well. We will be looking into ways to stockpile water containers.

COUNTYWIDE EMERGENCIES

It is possible that there could be a countywide power failure. All the plans for an isolated emergency will apply. There is very little chance that this would be long term.

We have no plans to deal with a long term county wide water outage. We could have to call in outside help such as the National Red Cross or FEMA.

DROUGHT

We just came through a major drought. For the most part, if another one should occur we will be better prepared. Should we ever have a drought more severe than this one, some of the plans we are now putting into place would help.

TOXIC HAZARDS

The plans we are putting in place would also help in an isolated toxic situation, such as a chemical spill. If there were a countywide toxic situation, such as a nuclear hazard or a terrorist chemical or biological attack, we would be unprepared and would need outside help.

WATER FOR FIGHTING FIRES

Local fire companies have already prepared for fighting fires with no running water.

SEWER SYSTEMS

Most of what applies to water systems also applies to sewer systems except that there are much fewer of them in the county. For most sewer systems, the ultimate last ditch option is to open the valves and let it flow, unprocessed. Most sewage systems flow downhill and do not require power to drain. Admittedly, this is not a good long term solution but it will keep the systems from backing up.

Having your neighborhood communications network in place will allow you to get word when there is a sewer problem so you can be informed to restrict your inputs into the sewer system.

HOW YOU CAN HELP PREPARE

HELPING COUNTYWIDE

If you are specifically interested in helping with water and sewer preparedness, contact Jerry Collette at 304-725-1523.

If you are interested in helping on this committee in any other way, please feel free to contact any member of this committee or the Red Cross to discuss ways in which you might help.

COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS, QUESTIONS, ETC. WITH THIS REPORT

All are welcome.

Contact Jerry Collette at 304-725-1523 or e-mail: jerrycollette@hotmail.com


Yours in Service,

Jerry Collette, Volunteer

last updated Nov. 26, 1999
URL: http://www.intrepid.net/y2k-shepherdstown/Water.html