Community-Based Water Resiliency Initiative
Providing communities with the tools and resources to effectively and resiliently plan or respond to emergencies.
On this page:
- About the Program
- Types of Assistance
- How This Program Helps Build Resilience
- Connections to Other EPA, Federal, or Non-Governmental Efforts
About the Program
The EPA’s Community-Based Water Resiliency Initiative (CBWR) provides communities with the tools and resources to effectively plan and respond to emergencies. By preparing for potential water service disruptions, communities can come together collectively to increase their resilience. CBWR aims to increase:
- Overall community preparedness by raising awareness of water sector interdependencies and enhancing integration of the water sector into community emergency preparedness and response efforts.
- Preparedness and resilience of drinking water and wastewater utilities by delivering tools and information to increase community collaboration and bolster preparedness practices.
Types of Assistance
CBWR provides tools, outreach education, and technical assistance (in workshop planning) for communicating and collaborating between the drinking water and wastewater sector, as well as various interdependent sectors.
Technical Assistance
- CBWR Guide promotes understanding of water sector interdependencies, fosters understanding of impacts of water service interruptions, and identifies actions and resources necessary to build community water resilience.
- CBWR Interdependencies Training educates water utilities and interdependent sectors on how to better communicate and collaborate to be more prepared for a water loss emergency.
Outreach and Education Assistance
CBWR workshops help emergency planners:
- Emphasize local preparedness as a key step to maintain community resilience.
- Discuss their plans for disruptions to both drinking water and wastewater services.
- Identify actual emergency water needs to enhance planning efforts.
How This Program Helps Build Resilience
Different hazards (natural and human-made) can cause water service disruptions that can be detrimental to critical community services such as hospitals, schools, and large businesses. Raising awareness of these issues in a community is a good first step to improve preparedness. By working together before an emergency, communities can be better prepared for water service disruptions and help mitigate potentially severe health and economic consequences.
Connections to Other EPA, Federal, or Non-Governmental Efforts
The CBWR program was developed in coordination with water sector partners, including members of the Water Sector Coordinating Council, which includes the following organizations: