Emergency Water Assistance

Any locality faced with a threat to public health and welfare from a drought or contaminated water situation affecting the water system. Maximum contaminant level or treatment technique (EPA rule under Safe Drinking Act) is exceeded; or water supply has been identified as a source of illness by public health official; or an emergency (e.g. flood, chemical spill) occurred that resulted in contaminant(s) entering source of a sufficient scale to endanger health; or the equipment necessary to remove contaminants has been made inoperable; or the presence of contaminant(s) is indicated by other available information. The impacted area must have been declared a “drought distressed area” by the Governor and/or Tribal Chairman and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

Water distribution system may be publicly or privately owned. State, Tribal, and local agencies must make full use of their own resources, including the National Guard. Requests for assistance to USACE must be initiated by the Governor or his/her authorized representative or Tribal Chairman. Request must address commitments, capabilities and efforts undertaken to date. Must identify the specific needs and the required USACE assistance. Must identify additional State/Tribal/ Local commitments. Must identify the project’s sponsors. A Project Information Report is required with approval from HQUSACE.

USACE assistance is supplemental to Tribal, State and local efforts. Permanent restoration of water supply is a local responsibility. Applicants must furnish lands, easements, and right-of-way; make necessary relocations and hold the U.S. free from damages. Purchase and storage costs are not eligible for USACE assistance.

Application for program assistance will be made to the USACE District in the appropriate area of responsibility, but assistance is subject to approval at HQUSACE level. The impacted area must have been declared a “drought distressed area” by the Governor or Tribal Chairman, and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

USACE assistance will be the minimum needed consistent with health and welfare requirements of the affected population. Quantity and means of distribution determined by USACE, considering the situation, community needs, and cost effectiveness of available options. If community has multiple sources of water, USACE will provide only the amount that the remaining sources, with conservation, cannot provide. Loss of water is not a basis for assistance, only if it is affected by drought or contamination. Water is not furnished for commercial purposes. However, drinking water can be provided for employees, and on-site customers. Water is provided only for human consumption, not for livestock.