Wildfires, floods and other disasters can profoundly impact infrastructure for large and small water systems, and plumbing safety. Tens of thousands of public water systems and roughly 50% of buildings nationwide are vulnerable to natural disasters. Accidents and intentional events can and have also prompted health risks. The National Response Framework for federally declared disasters charges public health officials with assessing exposure to health or environmental threats, specifically potable water. Local, county, and state health officials are often the first organizations utilities and property owners approach after a disaster when drinking water safety is a concern. Lessons from responding to and helping communities’ recovery from chemical spill, backflow incidents, wildfires and other disasters since 2014 will be described. These will include wildfires in California, Oregon, and Colorado as well as chemical spills. Field experiences will be described pertaining to helping health departments and local governments identify chemical health risks, decontaminate infrastructure, and provide advice to infrastructure owners. Pilot and bench-scale study results conducted in direct response to health official and disaster survivor requests will be shared. Studies have examined identifying chemical contamination sources, contamination and decontamination of metal and plastic pipes, water softeners, water tanks, among other materials. Information provided can be relied upon to make public health decisions and will also outline current knowledge-gaps health official may encounter. Some current gaps include the conditions that should prompt different water use orders, testing and decontamination protocols, and communication practices. Results of studies examining population needs specific to water system contamination. will also be shared.

Public health lessons from drinking water contamination disasters of utility and plumbing: Chemical spills, wildfires, and more

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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