AWWA JAW63369

US water suppliers face the challenge of responding to natural disasters and terrorist attacks, situations in which they are expected to act quickly to save lives and protect infrastructure. Having a water emergency response plan as mandated under Bioterrorism Act requirements does not guarantee that a utility's response will be effective. To prepare staff for making these important decisions, utility personnel at all levels must receive training. This article reports on one- and two-day water utility emergency response training sessions that included different types of exercises and involved water suppliers of all sizes and types as well as military, local, state, and federal emergency response agencies. Sessions centered on emergency response instruction followed by practical exercises and an after-action review and provided valuable opportunities for collaborative problem-solving among utility staff, public works personnel, military commanders and staff, regulatory agencies, public health officials, and other emergency responders. Includes 16 references, tables, figure.