Safeguarding our water: emergency response exercises as a resilience validation tool

As climate-related disruptions, cyber threats, and other emergencies grow more complex, water utilities are under increasing pressure to maintain uninterrupted service. In a recent article for the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Steven Dowker, Carollo’s senior operational resilience professional, explores the powerful role that emergency response exercises play in validating and strengthening utility resilience programs.

Why Emergency Response Exercises Matter for Utilities

Emergency response exercises aren’t just a compliance checkbox, they are one of the most effective tools utilities have to test plans, train staff, identify gaps, and build confidence in their ability to respond to crises. According to Steven, “Exercises are the only opportunity outside of real-world emergencies that staff have a chance to interact with emergency plans and procedures and to build ‘muscle memory’ for emergency response activities.”

These simulations allow utilities to evaluate how well their emergency response plans work in practice, measure coordination between internal teams and external partners, and adjust before a real emergency occurs.

How Utilities Can Integrate Exercises into Resilience Planning

Exercises are most impactful when they are tied to existing risk and resilience planning cycles. Steven highlights how utilities can align exercises with America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) certification schedules and other planning efforts, making training part of a long-term, strategic approach to resilience.

Incorporating exercises into budgeting cycles is also key. While exercises require an upfront investment, the return can be significant. Studies show that every $1 spent on preparedness activities may save between $6 and $13 in avoided recovery costs, Steven points out.

Benefits Beyond the Utility Fence Line

When designed well, exercises benefit more than just utility staff. They improve communication protocols, uncover logistical challenges with resource allocation, and build trust with emergency management partners and the public. As Steven writes, joint exercises “are a critical component of increasing water utility and broader community resilience.”

Advanced technologies now allow utilities to run immersive, scenario-based simulations. These tools can replicate real-world emergencies, including social media dynamics, providing staff with valuable hands-on experience in a risk-free environment.

A Blueprint for Utility Action

The article concludes with practical guidance for utilities ready to build an exercise program. It encourages utilities to start small and build toward more complex scenarios over time, aligned with their specific resilience goals.

To learn more about how exercises can validate and strengthen your utility’s emergency preparedness, read the full article on NACWA’s blog.