The following recommendations are submitted as guidelines for all classes of public water systems. These recommendations can be followed in general for problems in the wastewater plant, lift stations, etc. These recommendations should compliment the emergency preparedness plan of each public water system. If these recommendations and the water system emergency plan are followed, down time following a storm, flood or other emergency, should be kept to a minimum.

 HURRICANES

• Prior to Hurricanes:

• Prepare/up-grade/review emergency operations plan for your system.
• Prepare/up-grade/review map(s) of water system which include and pinpoint valves and hydrants. Identify best access roads.
• Check condition of equipment, including portable and auxiliary equipment.
• Inventory supplies (chlorine, fuel supply, etc.)
• Fill all water tanks.
• Make provisions (rental) for extra auxiliary generators, motors, pumps, etc., if needed.
• Keep your supervisor and/or appropriate city official informed of:
  • Equipment, supplies, etc., needed for daily and emergency operations of water system.
  • The condition of all equipment.
  • Any special conditions which may cause a change or variation in the emergency plan.
• Furnish the Health District with a copy of your emergency plan including emergency radio frequency.
• Move emergency supplies and all mobile and portable equipment to high or safe grounds.
• Place protective covering over instrumentation/other items. (E.g. plastic covering over controls, etc.)
• Brief all personnel. Make provisions for food, water and shelter for employees remaining during hurricane.
• Have periodic drills to identify problem areas and attempt to solve same.
 
• During Hurricanes:

• If power outage occurs note the time of failure and the time when power is restored.
• Start auxiliary equipment when necessary. Keep water tanks as full as possible and pressure on the lines.
• Close appropriate valves to stop water loss from broken service and main lines.
• If system water pressure cannot be maintained consideration should be given to closing main valve storage tank(s)
• Consideration should be given to removal of electric motors if flooding of area is imminent. Installing sump pumps in low area where appropriate, sandbagging doors, etc., may also be considered.
 
•  After Hurricanes:

• Survey water system including ground and overhead tanks, pumps, motors, auxiliary equipment and supplies.
• If water pressure was not lost in any part of the system, operations may continue as normal. Bacteria samples should be submitted to Health District lab as a precautionary measure.
• Prepare for heavy water usage as people return and clean up begins.
• Notify the Health District as soon as possible after the above items have been checked (phone, radio, in person). The District can then advise inquiring parties (consumer, news media, etc.) of the status of your system.
• If the water system or any part of the water system lost pressure:
  • Notify the Galveston County Health District
  • Notify customers in effected areas that the water should be considered contaminated until released by the Health District.
  • Flush all lines in and around pressure lost areas.
  • Check and maintain a chlorine residual of at least .5 ppm throughout the distribution system (1 ppm in pressure lost areas and 2 ppm in storage tanks).
  • Sufficient chlorine tests should be taken to identify and eliminate dead spots.
  • Submit water samples for bacteria test to the Health District lab. (Double number in area of water pressure lost.)
  • Water samples should be taken each day until two (2) consecutive days samples have been reported negative.
  • If water is turned off or line pressure is otherwise lost, priority for service restoration should be considered for hospitals, nursing homes, etc.
  • Contact the Health District each day, before noon, and inform them of the status of your system. This can be accomplished by phone, radio, or in person. Possibly at the same time as above.

 FLOODS

• Before Floods

• If flood warning is given, generally follow recommendations listed in: Prior to Hurricanes.

• During Floods

• If necessary move all supplies (chlorine, etc.) to highest shelves available and portable and auxiliary equipment to high ground to avoid rising water.
• Consideration should be given to removal or protection of fixed motors/instrumentation if flooding of an area is imminent.
• Generally follow recommendations listed in: During Hurricanes.

• After Floods

• If flood damage has not occurred, operations may continue as normal.
• If flood damage has occurred, (power outage, equipment failure, water pressure lost, etc.) then:
  • Contact the Health District as soon as possible.
  • Generally follow the recommendations listed in: After Hurricanes.

FIRE, EXPLOSION, CHLORINE LEAKS, ETC.

• Call appropriate agency immediately. (Post a list of emergency phone numbers by each telephone)
• If emergency threatens the surrounding area, begin clearing the effected area.
• Call the Health District as soon as possible.

• Freezing

• If freezing is forecast fill all water tanks.
• Wrap or otherwise protect exposed pipes, valve pumps, motors, etc.
• Be prepared for heavy water usage and water line breaks.
• Encourage customers to wrap and protect water pipes to conserve water usage. Customer education on proper water pipe protection and water conservation can be accomplished by:
  • Mail (with water bills)
  • Newspapers
  • Radio
  • City ordinances
   
•  Water Supply Cut-Off
  • If water supply to public water system is cut off or reduced, notify the Health District as soon as possible.
  • Notify customers that water should be considered questionable when pressure is regained until released by the Health District.
  • When water pressure is regained, follow standard accepted operating procedures of flushing, chlorination and submission of samples.
  • All public water systems should have more than one (1) water source whenever possible.
    • Two (2) or more wells
    • Well and surface water connection (Texas City, Galveston, Houston water supplies)
    • Connection to another approved water system (WCID, MUD, etc).

The recommendations contained herein are intended as a quick reference guide only. All problems that could occur with disasters such as storms, floods, fires, freezing, etc. cannot be covered herein. There are varying sizes of water and wastewater systems from large cities to small districts. Each system should have a complete detailed emergency plan. Since each emergency plan will differ somewhat and the damage to each system may vary it is requested that you keep the Health District informed of the conditions of your system. This request included any condition which may affect the water integrity such as total pressure lost in all or part of the system. Health district will strive to stay in contact with every water and wastewater system. Each water system should furnish the Health District the name(s), address(es), and phone numbers (work and home) of their licensed operator and/or the person in charge. The District is available for consultation and assistance within our capability for any public health concern.