Emergency Management in the Water Sector: Engineering Resilience

From natural disasters to infrastructure failures, emergencies in the water sector require swift, strategic responses to protect communities and restore services. While emergency managers lead the charge in crisis response, engineers play a crucial role in designing resilient systems, mitigating risks, and helping water infrastructure withstand and recover from disruptions.

In a recent article for the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Carollo’s Resilience & Sustainability Practice Director, Shawn Corrigan, explores the intersection of engineering and emergency management. He highlights how engineers contribute at every stage—assessing vulnerabilities, preparing response plans, and leading recovery efforts.

Building Resilience Through Collaboration and Innovation

Shawn emphasizes that resilience isn’t just about reacting to emergencies—it requires proactive planning and cross-sector collaboration. Engineers work alongside utility managers, policymakers, and emergency responders to develop adaptive infrastructure that provides communities with reliable access to water, even in times of crisis.

Engineering in Action: Lessons from the Lahaina Wildfires

Shawn illustrates these contributions through real-world examples, including the 2023 Lahaina wildfires in Maui. In the aftermath of the fires, engineers worked with local water agencies to assess damaged infrastructure, implement restoration strategies, and leverage technologies like GIS mapping to support recovery. Their expertise played a key role in safely restoring critical water services while reducing future risks.

Strengthening the Water Sector’s Resilience

As climate change and other threats continue to challenge water systems, engineers will remain at the forefront of resilience planning. By integrating technical expertise with advanced technologies and cross-sector collaboration, they help utilities navigate emergencies and build more adaptive, reliable infrastructure.

To learn more about how engineering shapes emergency management in the water sector, read the full article.