xylenes (BTEX) are not predictors of other contami - nation in drinking water. Recent wildfires where these components were tested resulted in a do not use advisory with specific instructions on how to replace then flush the pipe - lines and components. 38 The challenge is the policy for dealing with systems where chemical contami- nants are found, often with advice and recommenda - tions from state water agencies. Testing In past wildfires, drinking water issues were not consistently addressed by public agencies and homeowners were essentially left with their own resources. But evidence is now pointing to a new emphasis on rapid, standardized, and widespread testing, validated SOPs and controls, implement - ing strict “do not use” water orders for fires in WUI areas, examining policy priorities before the next disaster and improving guidance to homeowners to protect public health and plumbing infrastructure. 39 It is recommended that water primacy agencies be contacted as a planning issue to discuss how these matters will be handled in your state. Guidance Authors in one article 40 reviewed scientific, industry, and government documents that revealed national Immediate Response Objectives • Assess and evaluate impacts or potential impacts on water systems. • Track wildfire activity to determine system impacts. Determine impacts from power loss or outages, waterline breaks, or increased consumption from firefighting efforts. • Depending on wildfire damage and destruction, work with your PIO to develop, review and update messaging. • Develop or review plans to test water and decide what to test. This could result in guidance for homeowners and/or providing some form of assistance in sampling. • Develop, review, and distribute boil water, do not drink water or do not use advisories. • Research and draft plans on how to deal with possible chemical contamination of water sources, distribution lines, and/or homes. • Locate potable water resources and develop plans to distribute.
and industry approaches for water system contam - ination response to wildfires do not exist. 41 Envi- ronmental public health professionals must review current information and data available and make best judgments and decisions to protect the public and water systems. Stormwater and Flood Runoff When wildfires are followed by extreme rainfall, runoff can destroy communities. Engineers must determine whether mud and debris flow will neces - sitate mandatory evacuations. The January 9, 2018 Montecito mudflow in Santa Barbara County killed 23 people and destroyed more than 100 homes fol- lowing the massive 281,000-acre Thomas Fire that was finally contained early in January 2018. 42 • Determine impacts of subsequent rainfall in watershed areas that lead to water reservoirs or treatment plants. Typically, water treatment plants are not set up to handle high turbidity source surface water. • Seek recommendations from local public works or flood control agencies for Best Management Practices (BMPs) . • Evaluate need to protect wells, treatment plans and other infrastructure from flooding and debris flow following significant rainfall, such as with sandbags and other barriers. • Provide assistance in disinfection and/or decontamination of water distribution systems, storage tanks, and water tanker trucks. Recovery Objectives • Evaluate data and feedback on partially or unburned homes where residents may return and require water. • Review and update certified testing laboratories available to residents. • Seek advice from state water agencies (primacy agency) to ascertain current policies. • Include water issues and updates in community meetings and disaster assistance centers. • Determine through testing the potential for chemical contamination from distribution systems. • Include updated messaging in tools. Consider evidence of chemical contaminants in water supplies from damaged or destroyed piping and distribution systems. • Ensure messaging is available online and via print and in the primary languages spoken in the community.
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