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