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Questions or Comments: PDWEPP@tceq.texas.gov

Emergency Preparedness Plan Template Page for Water Systems in Harris and Fort Bend Counties

Many water systems with customers in Harris and Fort Bend Counties must create an emergency preparedness plan (EPP) and then submit the EPP for our review. To help these systems comply with this requirement, we have created an EPP template and examples for completing it.

Applicability

Affected utilities which serve water in or into Harris and/or Fort Bend Counites are required to have and implement a TCEQ approved EPP. If your system has changed infrastructure you may need to submit an updated EPP.

In addition, new systems in Fort Bend County and Harris County that will begin serving water after November 1, 2011, must have an approved EPP before serving water to customers.

Template

The Harris and Fort Bend EPP template contains 8 options for your water system to comply with the EPP requirement. However, your options may be limited by the type of water system you operate.

If you must comply with the EPP requirement or would like to update your currently approved EPP option(s),  start by saving the Emergency Preparedness Plan Template (form TCEQ-20536a) to your computer.

Options for Water System Compliance with the EPP Requirement

 1.       Water systems that supply surface water to one or more wholesale customers, have two options:

  • Install and maintain automatically starting auxiliary generators.
  • Install and maintain distributive generating facilities.

2.      All other water systems may choose from the following 8 options:

Option 1: Maintain your own automatically-starting auxiliary generators.

Option 2: Purchase water from another system.

  • Provide an agreement between your affected utility and another water system that shows that the provider will furnish your system with 35 psi at each of the system’s customers.
  • Provide an agreement between your affected utility and another water system that shows that the provider will furnish water to your storage tank.  Then choose another option for how you will power the service pumps.

Option 3: Negotiate to receive alternative power equipment during an emergency.  This agreement must provide for coordination with the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management.

  • Option 3a - This option includes systems wanting to utilize The Texas Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (TXWARN).
  • Provide a contract or lease agreement to TCEQ showing the leasing of the necessary equipment.

Option 4: Use portable generators capable of serving multiple facilities equipped with quick-connect systems.

Option 5: Use on-site electrical generation or distributed generation equipment.

  • For example, a wind or solar electrical generation plant located at the affected utility.

Option 6: Harden the electrical transmission and electrical distribution system against damage from natural disasters during an extended power outage.

  • For example, burying the electrical transmission lines underground.

Option 7: For existing facilities, maintain direct engine or right angle drives.

Option 8: Finally, submit a proposal to TCEQ demonstrating that your system will meet the 35 psi requirement during an emergency. If we find it acceptable, we will approve your EPP.

  • Please note that evacuation is not an approvable option.

3.      Fill in each item in the template. Do not leave any items on page 1 to 6 blank. If an item does not apply to your utility, write N/A in that space.

4.      Submit your completed or updated EPP to TCEQ by email

 Please email your completed email to PDWEPP@tceq.texas.gov. TCEQ will review your EPP and, if acceptable, approve it.

5.      Begin implementing your approved EPP before serving water to customers for new affected utilities or implement your updated EPP.

How can I find out more about the EPP template?