The Next One

Abstract

Even as we continue to battle the scourge of COVID-19, there's a lot of hope that things eventually will return to normal. Moving forward, though, will there ever be a time when we aren't at the outset of another global pandemic, and should planning efforts more often consider strategies to address a pandemic on top of another disaster? COVID-19 has revealed many of the water industry's strengths and some areas that need improvement, but thankfully water professionals are used to planning for uncertainty. Accommodating the natural cycle of water moving through the environment with seasonal impacts, leaders and decision makers must also account for any significant negative events in their forecasts and plans. For example, utilities and the communities they serve must also address drought leading to wildfires, torrential rains producing floods, and deep freezes causing pipes to burst. Climate change increases the likelihood of those extremes, but even when facing a flood after a fire during a pandemic, water services must always continue. While most of us are focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, some of those in the trenches are already preparing for the next catastrophe—be it another pandemic or some other global disturbance. Regardless of challenges and their combinations, water experts are creating the policies, plans, and bases of design to account for whatever comes next. It's up to water professionals to know their systems, build in and expand resiliency, and guide a community's valuable assets through one event, then another, or sometimes two or more at the same time. However, the challenges that seem daunting today will catalyze understanding and innovation, leaving the industry better prepared for the future. We can't allow any natural or man-made force to overwhelm a community's water systems under normal conditions but especially not in times of crisis. In preparing for and dealing with large-scale threats, it's great to have relationships in place so responses and resources can be coordinated quickly. At the local level, teams must be properly equipped and prepared, and AWWA is ready and able to connect those who need help with the industry guidance and expertise they need. Responding to COVID-19, the water industry so far hasn't missed a beat, and those systems that faced wildfires or floods on top of this pandemic are learning lessons that will serve as future models for responding to compounding calamities. In preparing for the next one, the water industry will need to optimize available resources to ensure water systems and the professionals behind them can effectively face the next contagion combined with a natural disaster occurring alongside a man-made challenge, while always looking ahead for the next one. This month's Journal AWWA features articles on source water protection, water loss control, lead and copper control, and using inclusive language. If you are interested in submitting an article, contact me at journaleditor@awwa.org.