Is Your Water Co-op Ready for an Emergency?
Alberta weather can change fast. Spring flooding, summer storms and tornado risks can damage rural water systems with little warning. A flooded well, a power outage or storm damage can interrupt service or affect water quality when your members need you most. The time to plan is now.
Every rural water co‑op is responsible for its own emergency planning. Your plan should match your system, your area and the risks you face. It does not have to be complicated. It just has to be ready before you need it.
A good Emergency Response Plan helps you think ahead, set a clear chain of command, establish communication protocols and keep critical documents in one place. It also supports compliance with the rules that apply to your system.
For support, visit the Water Federation’s Emergency Response Planning page.
Emergency Planning Checklist
Use this checklist to build or update your co‑op’s plan. All items link back to the Emergency Response Planning resource section.
1. Understanding an emergency
Review the definitions and examples on the Introduction to Emergency Planning page to confirm what situations should trigger your ERP.
2. Review past ERP presentations
Look at past Emergency Response Plan presentations to see how other co‑ops have approached planning.
3. Download and adapt the ERP Template
Start with the ERP Template and tailor it to your system.
4. Identify your emergency scenarios
Use the Specific Emergency Plans to outline responses for incidents such as:
- Accident or Injury
- Bacteriological Test Failure
- Contamination Event
- Fire or Flood
- Pipeline Issue
- Power Failure
5. Define roles and responsibilities
Download ERP Organization Roles and Responsibilities to set your chain of command.
6. Set communication and reporting protocols
Use ERP Communication and Record Keeping to establish how your co‑op will communicate during an incident.
7. Assemble your ERP addenda
Gather and complete the supporting documents:
- Protocols and Guidelines
- Emergency Contacts List
- Incident Report
- Members Contact List
- Public Notices
8. Test your readiness
Use the Emergency Response Self‑Assessment Tool to evaluate your co‑op’s preparedness at your next Board meeting.