New Report Bridges Critical Gaps in Guidance to Protect Communities’ Water from Wildfire Impacts
Wildfires pose an escalating threat to public drinking water systems, yet until now, comprehensive guidance for addressing the damage these systems endure has been lacking. Conflicting or incomplete advice has left water utility professionals navigating recovery efforts with uncertainty. A groundbreaking new publication changes that, offering a clear, step-by-step roadmap for testing and restoring water distribution systems after a wildfire.
This comprehensive guide, developed by a team of engineers at Purdue University and published by The Water Research Foundation, consolidates years of frontline experience and cutting-edge research. Spearheaded by Andrew Whelton, a Purdue professor of civil, environmental, and ecological engineering, the guidance draws on lessons learned from Whelton’s on-the-ground work at wildfire disaster sites. Over the years, Whelton has become a key resource for addressing drinking water contamination, traveling to wildfire-stricken areas to test water samples and advise utilities on recovery strategies.
“Our guidance shares real-world insights from drinking water system professionals who’ve tackled wildfire disasters firsthand,” said Whelton.
The publication is backed by research papers Whelton and his team have produced from testing water samples at wildfire sites. These studies have become essential resources for water utility operators and emergency responders. With sponsorship from four California water utilities, the guide represents a major step forward in helping communities safeguard their drinking water in the aftermath of wildfires.
Recent wildfires in Los Angeles have revealed how vulnerable water distribution networks can be—even when water sources and treatment facilities remain untouched. The damage to these systems underscores the critical need for more robust guidance during wildfire emergencies.
In many cases, drinking water system staff have received incomplete or inadequate information from supporting agencies, leading to significant challenges. These include failing to detect the full extent of chemical contamination, delays in notifying customers of potential health risks, and postponed actions to restore water pressure and remove contaminated water. Additionally, utilities have struggled to communicate drinking water safety concerns effectively to customers and support organizations in the aftermath of a wildfire.
Wildfires can compromise water infrastructure in multiple ways. Damaged buildings and infrastructure often result in leaks, lower water pressure, and reduced availability for homes, businesses, and industries. Fire-damaged pipes and tanks may become secondary sources of pollution, introducing contaminants into the water supply. Both above-ground and below-ground components can sustain damage, and identifying contaminated areas may take weeks—or even years. Repairs and restoration to ensure the delivery of safe drinking water can take just as long, requiring extended restrictions on water use to protect public health.
This new guidance is designed to assist not only public water system staff but also public works managers, emergency management professionals, and state and federal agencies involved in wildfire response. It is part of a larger project on post-wildfire water quality impacts and recovery, funded by The Water Research Foundation.
The initiative is led by Andrew Whelton, a Purdue professor and director of the Center for Plumbing Safety, in collaboration with Amisha Shah, an associate professor at Purdue. The guidance also features contributions from Kristofer Isaacson, a Purdue alumnus and former graduate researcher in the Whelton and Shah labs.
As the science of wildfire response evolves, this publication is expected to be updated with new insights and data. The full foundation report, which will include detailed studies and findings, is set to be released in the coming months, offering an invaluable resource for safeguarding water systems in the face of increasing wildfire threats.