Extreme Weather & Water/Wastewater Systems - When The 100 Year Storm Comes Every Year - Roundtable

Flooding from Hurricane Ida... extreme temperatures during the summer and winter... ice storms... Water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities used to be up against these battles with Mother Nature every few years, but with them coming more frequently, we all need to be better prepared. Our panel will discuss what they do before, during, and after extreme weather events, what measures during design, operations, and maintenance matter the most, and what they'll do differently next time. Some topics covered: ▪ What should operators do when a big storm is forecasted? ▪ What's in a weather preparedness playbook? ▪ How can you test your Emergency Response Plan (ERP)? ▪ Should you hard-wire generators for pump stations or use plugs? ▪ How often should you test your backup power? ▪ What is PAWarn? ▪ How can you get help during an extreme weather event? ▪ How do stormwater management and impervious surfaces impact flooding? ▪ Why are water and wastewater plants built in flood zones by rivers and streams? ▪ What should you measure after a storm to help prepare for the next? ▪ What is your most important tool during an extreme weather event? ▪ How can you prepare for straight line winds? ▪ What types of backup communication devices are most effective? ▪ What projects are most important to prevent flooding? Resources: ▪ https://www.pawarn.org Originally recorded:10/28/21