How to prepare your water utility for hurricanes and floods

How to prepare your water utility for hurricanes and floods

About 25 percent of sanitary sewer overflows are caused by weather events, such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt and ground saturation. Xylem has helped thousands of companies and communities prepare for these events and minimize damage. Learn how a contingency plan can help you.

When an extreme weather event like a hurricane hits multiple communities at once, it can be difficult to secure the equipment you need without a plan in place. One of the most important things water utilities and businesses can do to prepare is to develop a contingency plan.

What is a contingency plan?

A contingency plan is a rapid-response action plan that can be activated quickly to minimize damage and downtime. The plan contains critical information about flood risk areas, as well as the equipment needed when severe weather hits.

What is included in a contingency plan?

The contingency plans that Xylem develops with our customers include:

  • Equipment you need to keep your operations up and running
  • Site conditions and access information
  • Directions to your location
  • 24/7 contact info for your Xylem Emergency Team.

Why do you need a contingency plan?

You might not have had a sanitary sewer overflow in the past, but changing weather patterns are making them more likely. In the US, for example, about two-thirds of the country is now experiencing much greater than average rainfall per weather event than just 20 years ago.

A contingency plan with Xylem ensures that with just one phone call – day or night – you’ll be mitigating the problem within hours.

How do you get started?

Xylem has several Contingency Planning Resources available online. You can also schedule a planning session, learn about the causes of sanitary sewer overflows, and download a sample contingency plan.

by Chad Henderson