AWIA Certification
Drinking water utility systems that serve over 3,300 people are required by the U.S. EPA to complete a risk and resilience assessment and develop an emergency response plan under Section 2013 of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. The community utility system is responsible for ensuring that all risk assessments and planning documents meet the criteria outlined in AWIA Section 2013(a) & (b) respectively.
how it works
Conduct and Submit Your Risk and Resilience Assessment
Every five years, the community utility system is required to recertify with the U.S. EPA by reviewing, revising, and re-submitting both an updated risk and resilience assessment and amended emergency response plan. Like the initial certification, the amended emergency response plan must be completed within six months of the revised risk and resilience assessment submission.
Develop an Emergency Response Plan
Utilizing the findings of the risk and resilience assessment, the water system will develop or update its corresponding emergency response plan and submit the certified planning document to the U.S. EPA within six months of submitting the certified risk assessment. Plan due dates are unique based on the risk assessment submittal. Follow the general timelines below based on the population served.
Recertification
Every five years, the community utility system is required to recertify with the U.S. EPA by reviewing, revising, and re-submitting both an updated risk and resilience assessment and amended emergency response plan. Like the initial certification, the amended emergency response plan must be completed within six months of the revised risk and resilience assessment submission.
timelines for submittal
risk and resilience assessments
≥ 100,000
March 31, 2020
50,000-99,999
December 31, 2020
3,301-49,999
June 30, 2021
emergency response plans
≥ 100,000
September 30, 2020
50,000-99,999
June 30, 2021
3,301-49,999
December 31, 2021
frequently asked questions
What does a risk and resilience assessment include?
Risk and resilience assessments include:
- Financial systems (such as billing systems)
- Natural hazards and malevolent acts
- Chemical storage and handling
- Monitoring practices
- Operation and maintenance
- Resilience of water facility infrastructure (including pipes, physical barriers, water sources and collection, treatment, storage and distribution, and electronic, computer and other automated systems)
Are there any format requirements for risk and resilience assessments?
All risk and resilience assessments must contain the required information outlined in AWIA Section 2013(a) and (b). Additionally, the U.S. EPA recommends the use of standards such as AWWA J100-10 Risk and Resilience Management of Water and Wastewater Systems, as well as other tools and resources from the EPA and other organizations to facilitate quality risk submittals.
What does an emergency response plan include?
- Strategies and resources to improve resilience, including physical security and cybersecurity
- Plans and procedures for responding to a natural hazard or malevolent act that threatens safe drinking water
- Actions and equipment to lessen the impact of a malevolent act or natural hazard, including alternative water sources, relocating intakes, and flood protection barriers
- Strategies to detect malevolent acts or natural hazards that threaten the system
Who should I work with when creating my emergency response plan?
Emergency planners and external consultants can provide utilities a jump start in the plan development process. At a minimum, utilities are required to coordinate risk and resilience assessments, as well as emergency response plans with local emergency planning committees.
What do I need to submit to the U.S. EPA?
A certification of your risk and resilience assessment and emergency response plan. Each submission must contain: Utility name, date, and state that the utility has completed, reviewed, or revised the assessment. If desired, this can be done using the U.S. EPA’s optional certification template for email or mail certification.
Who can certify my risk and resilience assessment and emergency response plan?
Assessments and plans can be self-certified by the utility.
https://www.epa.gov/waterresilience/certification-statements-risk-and-resilience-assessment-or-emergency-response-plan
How do I submit my certification?
The U.S. EPA recommends using their online submission portal. This user-friendly system makes submittals easy and provides a receipt of submittal upon completion. Utilities may also submit via mail, or email if preferred.
https://www.epa.gov/waterresilience/how-certify-your-risk-and-resilience-assessment-or-emergency-response-plan
Do I need to submit my certification to my state or local government?
No. Section 2013 of AWIA does not require utilities to submit the certification to state or local governments.
How long do I need to keep a copy of my risk and resilience assessment and emergency response plan?
Utilities must keep a copy of both documents for five years after certification.
AWIA Resources
Just getting started in AWIA certification? Use these resources to jumpstart your discovery process.
Risk and Resilience Assessments
emergency response plans
U.S. EPA’s Emergency Response Page
Local Emergency Planning Committee
