Emergency management in the water sector: engineering resilience

From wildfires to hurricanes to aging infrastructure, the water sector faces a wide range of emergencies that require quick, coordinated action. While emergency managers typically lead response efforts, engineers bring critical expertise to the table. They help utilities prepare for, withstand, and recover from disruptions.

In a recent article published in WaterWorld, Shawn Corrigan, Carollo’s resilience & sustainability technical practice director, discusses how engineering intersects with emergency management to strengthen the water sector’s ability to respond to crises.

How Engineers Help Prepare for and Respond to Emergencies

According to Shawn, engineers are deeply involved in every phase of emergency management, from identifying vulnerabilities and planning responses to guiding recovery and rebuilding efforts. Their work is essential to designing infrastructure that can adapt to changing conditions and continue delivering safe, reliable water, even during extreme events.

Proactive Planning and Collaboration Are Key to Water Resilience

True resilience doesn’t begin when a crisis hits. Shawn highlights how engineers collaborate with utility leaders, emergency managers, and policymakers long before disaster strikes. This collaboration results in more robust infrastructure, integrated response plans, and a shared understanding of keeping water systems operating when it matters most.

Case Study: Lessons from the 2023 Lahaina Wildfires

The article features a real-world example from the devastating 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, Maui. Engineers supported local water agencies in evaluating damaged systems, deploying emergency repairs, and using tools like GIS mapping to guide recovery. Their contributions helped bring water services back online quickly and safely, while also identifying ways to reduce vulnerability in the future.

Engineering a More Resilient Future for Water Utilities

As the impacts of extreme weather events intensify, engineers are taking on an increasingly vital role in resilience planning. By applying technical know-how, emerging technologies, and cross-sector partnerships, they help utilities safeguard water services against the unexpected.

Read the full article to learn more about engineers’ role in shaping emergency response and long-term resilience in the water section.