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Water Quality Surveillance and Response

Water Contamination Response Resources

These resources support the design and implementation of Water Contamination Response (WCR), a component of a Surveillance and Response System (SRS).

Distribution System Contamination Response Plan (DSCRP) Template
Provides an editable template that contains example tables, figures, decision trees, and response forms. Editable versions of the figures and decision trees are available in the PowerPoint file.
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  • Planning for Contamination Primer (PDF)(2 pp, 3 MB)
    Provides steps for drinking water utilities to prepare for distribution system contamination incidents and includes a template for developing a Distribution System Contamination Response Procedure.
  • Guidance for Responding to Drinking Water Contamination Incidents (PDF)(40 pp, 5 MB)
    Provides information to drinking water utilities for managing distribution system contamination incidents. Discusses a framework for responding to a contamination incident, highlights the need for coordinating efforts with local, state, regional, and federal response partners, and describes the use of training and exercises for learning and improving response procedures.
  • Developing Risk Communication Plans for Drinking Water Contamination Incidents (PDF)(45 pp, 2 MB)
    Provides guidance on developing an effective risk communication plan to guide communications with response partners and the public during drinking water contamination incidents.