![]() ![]() The order in which disrupted sectors obtain energy services may be an issue as water utilities work to restore services. Long-term power outages can overwhelm a water utility’s backup energy supply or deplete fuel reserves - a scenario made worse if the outage is systemic and multiple utilities in a region are shut down (as in an EMP event) or when multiple water utilities have to compete for scarce backup resources. The water sector relies on electricity to operate its pumps, treatment facilities, delivery systems and processing. Energy Sector - The Energy Sector relies on water services for different aspects of energy production and generation.Chemical Sector - Chemicals are required to operate water/wastewater treatment facilities and water is often necessary in chemical manufacturing processes.Especially of concern is the impact on the Water/Wastewater sector when electricity, communications and transportation are disrupted. When lost even for a short period (less than eight hours) the functioning of multiple sectors is significantly degraded, as illustrated in the first figure above. The NIAC report identified the Water/Wastewater sector as one of the “lifeline sectors” because its functions are essential to core operations in nearly every other critical sector. When lost for an extended period, the results can be catastrophic as suggested below. ![]() When water and wastewater services are lost, even for short periods, the consequences can be widespread and dramatic. The NIAC report also provides a dismal picture of the situation for wastewater services. And there are 84,000 transient Non-CWSs at gas stations, campgrounds, and other places where people usually do not remain for long periods. More than 18,000 non-transient Non-CWSs serve schools, factories, office buildings and hospitals that have their own water systems. population is served by CWSs that serve less than 3300 people each. population is served by 20-percent of the 51,000 Community Water Systems (CWSs). The NIAC reports that 92-percent of the U.S. Moreover, the loss of water directly affects the health of citizens and their ability to survive. economy, including Water Chemicals Communications Critical Manufacturing Dams Defense Industrial Base Emergency Services Energy Financial Food and Agriculture Government Facilities Healthcare and Public Health Information Technology Nuclear Reactors, Materials and Waste and Transportation Systems.Īs highlighted below in a figure from the Executive Summary of the NIAC report on water sector resilience, many of these sectors could be significantly degraded within a few hours after the loss of water, which could occur following a major loss of electricity - e.g., after an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) event and when diesel fuel used to power emergency generators runs out. The NIAC advises the President on the security and resilience of the critical infrastructure sectors and their functional systems, physical assets and cyber networks. Who/what would the survivors then blame for their most unwelcome condition?Ĭonsider the alarming situation described by a recent National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) report on “Water Sector Resilience.” Click here for the full report and read at least the Executive Summary. And today we have not taken those precautions. Without dwelling on the content and meaning of the Mariner’s story, this situation reminds me of the possible plight of Americans following the loss of the electric power grid for an indefinite period - which unless they have taken prior precautions could leave them without potable water. ![]() Click here for a brief summary of this classic story. This sad tale originated the bad omen involving “an albatross around his neck,” reflecting the Mariner’s punishment after the crew blamed him for killing the bird as the cause of them being marooned at sea without wind to sail, deprived of fresh water and surrounded by undrinkable salt water. ” From the “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by the 19 th Century English Poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his lengthy 1798 poem, once pondered by all who studied English Literature. “Water, water, everywhere, And all the boards did shrink Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink. ![]()
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