Of critical importance to all utilities, this report includes a checklist of best management practices for self-assessment for disaster preparedness. This report addresses both natural and human-caused threats or hazards.

In an uncertain world, the prepared water utility must provide safe and reliable water supplies in spite of earthquate, floods, and now even terrorist attacks. Because tomorrow's water utilities will serve even greater populations and larger areas, they will be exposed to a wider range of threats than they are today. This project's goal was to learn from experienced utilties and individuals how to prepare for future disasters, which are certain to occur. Reducing vunlerability is the most important subject of this report, going beyond emergency response and extending to everything the utility does.