the clock is ticking
risk assessment & emergency response deadlines set under awia
S ARAH TU ITE , VICTO R E LAZE G U I & JAS O N VIG H BUR NS & M CDONNEL L
Nothing is more vital to public health and economic stability than clean water from reliable sources. Yet, in today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, water has become a vulnerable target simply because it is so critical. A law enacted in October 2018 sets firm deadlines for completing risk and resiliency assessments (RRA) and updating emergency response plans (ERP). Under provisions (Sec. 2013) of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), RRAs and ERPs must be completed by every water utility serving more than 3,300 people. In Tennessee alone, 265 municipalities must implement plans and meet the requirements. AWIA is designed to enhance the resiliency and continuity of community water systems as well as facilitate a framework necessary to deter, detect, delay, devalue and respond to a full range of naturally occurring and malevolent events. Reviews of physical security and cybersecurity measures must be included for utilities to successfully comply with certification requirements. 18
TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS
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