Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink: Responding to water disruptions in two coastal healthcare facilities

Kelsey Alexander, Maddy Laberge and Norman Kotze
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Kelsey Alexander: Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health, Health Emergency Management British Columbia, Canada
Maddy Laberge: Manager, Health Emergency Management British Columbia, Canada
Norman Kotze: Health Emergency Management Specialist, Canada

Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 2024, vol. 18, issue 1, 59-74

Abstract: Having a consistent and readily available clean water supply is essential, not only for convenience but also to safeguard public health. While disruptions to the supply of clean water can impact communities of all kinds, some infrastructures and healthcare facilities are more vulnerable than others, such as those located in remote areas or within First Nations communities. This paper presents a case study of water disruption events within Sechelt and the First Nations community of Bella Bella, describing also the associated response efforts and lessons learned. Both events shared similar response activities, requiring the curtailing of normal water usage, the establishment of emergency operations centres, the sourcing of resources via supply chain or transportation partners, implementation of infection prevention and public health considerations, and collaboration with internal and external agencies. The learnings highlight a need for greater focus on building resiliency within healthcare facilities, especially those that serve remote or First Nations communities. The study also presents recommendations for water disruption response planning at the site and community level, and the establishment of non-centralised backup water systems.

Keywords: water security; healthcare facilities; emergency preparedness; public health; resource allocation; community collaboration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: M1 M10 M12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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