Wildfire preparedness for public drinking water systems

This page provides guidelines to help water systems protect their sources and infrastructure from wildfire damage and contamination.

Before the fire: System protection

How do I protect my water source?

• Clear and maintain all deep-rooted vegetation, tall grasses, and other flammable materials within a 100-foot zone around springs and wells.
• Clear air vents along the collection line.
• Turn out springs ahead of the fire, if your system design allows.

What should my plan for backup power include?

• Plan to purchase, rent, or borrow larger generators.
• Ensure the proper transfer switch to run on generator power.
• Store cables safely, potentially offsite if necessary.
• Use a small generator for power and chlorine systems.

How do I prepare for hazardous material safety?

• Identify risks such as chlorinators or other chemicals that have the potential to be hazardous to firefighters and/or the public.
• Identify all buildings storing flammable chemicals such as chlorine.

During the fire: Communication

What information should I give the incident management team?

If there is a fire in your area, you will need to inform the incident management team of:

• Locations of critical infrastructure.
• Special considerations or hazards, including:
  
  • High-voltage power
  • Chlorinators
  • Source protection areas

After the fire: Recovery and assessment

What steps do I take to get my system back online safely?

• Take additional samples if you suspect contamination, see debris near your source, or your system lost pressure.
• Issue any necessary public notices and repair damaged facilities.

What are the biggest risks after the fire is contained?

The most significant risk to a water system after a fire is from post-fire flooding and debris flows. It is critical to identify and protect vulnerable infrastructure from potential flooding.

Review EPA’s guide, Flood Resilience: A Basic Guide for Water and Wastewater Utilities, for actionable steps on how to prepare for and respond to flood-related risks.

Contact

For additional information or assistance, contact the Division of Drinking Water’s Emergency Response Team at (801) 560-8456.