AWIA Drinking Water Updates

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In recent years, the importance of water security has increased manifold, with a growing concern for the safety and quality of drinking water in communities across America. To ensure the safety of the nation’s drinking water supply, America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) has been introduced. As per AWIA, any community drinking water system serving more than 3,300 people must develop risk and resilience assessments (RRAs) and emergency response plans (ERPs) every five years.

The primary purpose of the RRA is to identify potential risks that could compromise the water supply’s integrity, such as natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, or intentional contamination of the water supply. With proactive strategies and emergency response plans in place, communities can take preemptive measures to safeguard their critical water infrastructure, reducing the risk of disaster striking and ensuring uninterrupted access to clean drinking water for residents.

Non-compliance with AWIA can result in hefty fines and leaves communities vulnerable to disasters, compromising the health and well-being of the residents. To prevent such a scenario, HDL partnered with the City of Palmer and the City of Kenai in Alaska to ensure that each community had the necessary RRA before the June 30, 2021, deadline. Our team of experts assisted the cities in assessing and preparing for potential water supply threats and determining appropriate responses to these risks. This work helps to keep communities eligible for federal funding for improvement projects, while also protecting critical water infrastructure.

By working with HDL, these communities can rest assured that they can deliver safe, clean drinking water to their residents, even during emergencies.