* EC: Troubled Waters: Managing hospital risks associated with an interrupted or contaminated water supply (PDF/QV) [REF: JCSC, LDR, PI] EC News, November 2015, Vol 18, #11, Pg 6 JCe1511_B6

Standard EM.02.02.09 requires hospital’ s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to address the management of utilities during an emergency.  Water contamination is an emergency that can be caused by a number of factors including organic compounds (e.g., pesticides), inorganic compound (e.g., arsenic, lead), radioactive elements and bacteria.  Bacteria, especially Coliform bacteria (from human/animal digestive tracts) are probably the most frequent cause.  The article helps to distinguish advisories (e.g., Boil water advisory) that are precautionary announcements issued before there has been confirmation of contamination verses a notice (e.g., Boil water notice) which is issued when there is confirmation of contamination. The article then provides recommendations for appropriate responses to advisories/notices for key areas of water vulnerability such as drinking water, food preparation, dish washing, hand washing, bathing and environmental cleaning.
Tip: Consider whether or not your EOP/Hospital disaster plan should address water contamination and if so, use this article to ensure it addresses the critical water-reliant functions referenced above.