Overview
ISO 24595:2024 establishes international guidelines for the provision of alternative water service (AWS) to essential facilities during a crisis. Developed by ISO’s Technical Committee 224, it addresses critical aspects required to maintain the operation of essential facilities-such as hospitals, care homes, schools, prisons, and vital industrial or commercial establishments-when normal water supply systems are disrupted. The standard is applicable to drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems and services, focusing on operational planning, risk assessment, AWS provision methods, and effective stakeholder communication.
This document is not meant for planned supply interruptions that are part of normal operations, water provision to temporary settlements or refugee camps, or for private user AWS planning, which are addressed by other ISO standards. Adherence to ISO 24595:2024 helps utilities, public agencies, and facility managers enhance resilience and ensure continuity of critical services under crisis conditions.
Key Topics
- Principles of AWS Provision: Outlines the prioritization of essential facilities and collaborative planning among water utilities, relevant authorities, and facility operators to ensure uninterrupted water service during emergencies.
- Approaches to AWS:
- Utilizing alternative sources of water, such as groundwater, reservoirs, or interconnections with neighboring networks.
- Non-conventional use of existing distribution networks, including temporary network modifications, installation of storage tanks, or pressure management.
- Independent AWS provision, for instance, deploying water tankers or portable water treatment units where network use is not feasible.
- Operational Planning: Includes risk assessment, identification of essential facilities, water allocation determination, scenario-based pre-planning, logistical preparation, and resource mobilization.
- Resource Management: Emphasizes procuring, storing, and managing assets such as containerized water, storage tanks, mobile units, and emergency delivery mechanisms.
- Communication & Coordination: Stresses proactive internal and external communications, stakeholder preparedness, and tailored messaging before and during a crisis.
- Allocation & Quality Requirements: Defines processes for jointly determining required water quantity and ensuring water quality standards are maintained or restored, including the use of temporary treatment solutions if necessary.
Applications
ISO 24595:2024 is practical for a wide range of situations where essential services rely on continuous water supply, including:
- Emergency Response: Implementation of AWS during natural disasters, major infrastructure failures, contamination events, or intentional acts impacting water supply.
- Business Continuity Planning: Supporting essential operations in healthcare, public safety, and critical industry sectors by ensuring water availability is maintained despite unforeseen disruption.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Encouraging utilities and authorities to strengthen crisis preparedness through robust risk assessment, scenario planning, and investment in alternative supply methods.
- Regulatory Compliance and Public Health: Ensures that essential facilities meet regulatory water supply and quality obligations, reducing risks to public health and welfare during crises.
- Training and Readiness: Used to inform training, awareness, and simulation exercises for both water sector professionals and key stakeholders.
Related Standards
To ensure comprehensive crisis management in water services, ISO 24595:2024 should be used in conjunction with other relevant standards:
- ISO 24518: Guidance on water utility crisis management systems.
- ISO/TS 24520: Focuses on operational crisis management in water utilities.
- ISO 24527: Addresses AWS provision specifically for private users.
- ISO 24513: Vocabulary for service activities related to drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
By integrating ISO 24595:2024 into utility and facility protocols, organizations can greatly enhance their water service reliability and community resilience during crisis events.