September 14, 2009

Dear Mayor/Council:

Re: H1N1 Pandemic Influenza

Municipal governments have a crucial role in planning and combating a pandemic. A pandemic flu outbreak could affect the capability of water and wastewater system operators to operate and maintain their systems adequately due to increased absenteeism. Additionally illness at other interdependent sectors could result in the loss of essential water treatment materials and supplies. Utilities that fail to prepare for the likelihood of pandemic may find themselves without the staff, equipment, or supplies necessary to continue providing safe drinking water or treating wastewater for their community. Utilities should integrate pandemic planning into existing business continuity and emergency response plans using available guidance documents for assistance.

Planning actions utilities may undertake include:

• identify essential functions, services, processes, critical staffing needs and interdependent relationships;
• assess supply chains and coordinate continued supply with vendor. Utilities should have an adequate reserve supply of supplies to last several weeks;
• develop a communications strategy; and
• work with community pandemic planners.

If your community does not have an Emergency Response Plan, templates are available on http://www.saskh20.ca/DWBinder.asp and are found under Tab 11. Emergency planning was an element of the preparation of a Quality Assurance / Quality Control policy as required by Section 43(1) of The Water Regulations, 2002. For those who are new to the water and wastewater management field, the Ministry of Environment provided information on emergency planning, planning templates and related training in 2003.

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, for planning purposes, estimates that 15 to 35 per cent of the provincial population province would become ill during the two to three month period it would take for influenza to spread through the province. Planning for a pandemic is essential. Being informed and knowing what to do will help minimize the impact in our daily lives, work and activities. Emergency Response Planning is primarily a local responsibility and should be coordinated with Saskatchewan Emergency Management Organization, your local emergency management organization and regulatory authorities. Your Environmental Protection Officer can provide assistance in upset and emergency follow-ups, technical advice and provide aid in managing water quality problems.

We suggest that you contact your Environmental Protection Officer if you have any questions or require assistance updating your Emergency Response Plan to include actions to be taken during a pandemic flu outbreak.

Sincerely,

Sam Ferris, Executive Director
Municipal Branch
Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
306-787-6193