The aftermath of the 2018 Camp Fire made clear how large-scale drinking water infrastructure contamination can jeopardize public health and safety. This was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history. More than 35,000 people lived in the area before the fire, and roughly 90% of the structures burned to the ground. In the fire’s aftermath, the remaining standing home population a continued to receive and use contaminated receive water from their public water suppliers. In January 2019, Dr. Whelton’s multi-university team was contacted for assistance to help better respond to and recover from the drinking water contamination. Scientific assistance was provided to the utilities, local, state, and federal agencies. In May 2019, the team conducted a standing home community assessment survey and continued providing the community assistance. Results of their work will be presented along with experiences in providing scientific support following large-scale drinking water contamination and recovery caused by tank spills, oil spills, and backflow incidents. Experiences engaging with health officials, policy makers, and community groups will also be described

Importance of science in responding to large-scale drinking water contamination disasters: Wildfires, chemical spills, and more

2019 Fall National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.