As wildfires become a growing threat to public drinking water systems, there has been a lack of clear, reliable guidance on how to address the damage caused by these disasters.
A new publication has been released, providing the first thorough guidance for staff working in public drinking water systems. It details the procedures for testing and restoring water distribution systems after a wildfire. This document, created by engineers from Purdue University, is published by The Water Research Foundation and was supported by four water utilities in California.
Andrew Whelton, a professor at Purdue specializing in civil engineering as well as environmental and ecological engineering, spearheaded the creation of this guidance. Whelton has visited wildfire sites multiple times in recent years, offering advice on managing drinking water contamination.
The research papers authored by Whelton and his team, which stem from their analysis of water samples collected from wildfire-affected areas, have become essential resources for various organizations involved in restoring water distribution systems. The publication by The Water Research Foundation brings together critical findings and lessons learned from past wildfire incidents.
Whelton remarked, “This new guidance shares important insights from water system professionals who have navigated wildfire emergencies.”
Recent incidents of wildfires have damaged water distribution networks, even when the water sources and treatment facilities were not directly impacted.
During wildfire emergencies, the information provided to drinking water system staff from supportive agencies has often led to challenges such as incomplete detection of chemical contamination, delays in informing customers about health risks tied to polluted drinking water, postponements in restoring system pressure and removing contaminated water, and difficulties in communicating drinking water safety issues post-fire to customers and support organizations.
Damage to infrastructure and buildings can lead to leaks, reduced water pressure, and affect water availability for residential, commercial, and industrial users. Furthermore, fire damage to pipes and tanks can create additional pollution sources that contaminate drinking water. Both above-ground and underground components can suffer damage, and identifying contaminated infrastructure may take weeks or even years.
Repairing and restoring the impacted infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water may take a similarly lengthy timeframe. Consequently, there may be a need for prolonged water use restrictions to safeguard customers against contaminated water.
This guidance may also benefit other groups supporting public water system staff in responding to wildfires, such as public works managers, emergency management officials, and various state and federal agencies.
This publication is part of a larger project focused on the quality impacts of water distribution following wildfires, funded by The Water Research Foundation and led by Whelton. Future updates to the guidance are anticipated as more information becomes accessible. The complete report from the foundation, featuring all relevant studies and data, will be made available in the coming months.
Amisha Shah, also a Purdue associate professor specializing in civil engineering and environmental and ecological engineering, co-led the publication’s development alongside Whelton. Kristofer Isaacson, a Purdue graduate who was a student in the Whelton and Shah laboratories, also contributed to the work.
Whelton directs the Center for Plumbing Safety at Purdue, which provides additional resources related to disaster responses for water infrastructure.
