Consider the mission of your utility and it likely includes phraseology such as “protect public health and the environment” or “protect and enhance water quality”. An integral part of fulfilling that mission is having reliable operations. Having a state-of-the-art business continuity plan that is well implemented is critical to smooth and uninterrupted operations.
So, just what is business continuity?
An ongoing process to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to identify the impacts of potential losses and maintain viable recovery strategies and continuity of services.
And, what is a business continuity plan?
A document that presents procedures and information to support continued delivery of critical activities in an acceptable timeframe during an event.
A business continuity plan will complement an emergency response plan, which includes the implementation of the incident command system, notification and communications, plan implementation, and testing, etc.
What are the benefits of business continuity planning?
- Identify, prioritize, and mitigate downtime events,
- Reduce actual downtime and associated costs,
- Keep employees engaged and employed,
- Improve resource management and reputation,
- Provide guidance on how best to respond to downtime events, and
- Improve the ability of a utility to survive catastrophic events.
Important areas to be addressed in planning include, but are not limited to:
- Business interruption risk assessment,
- Identification of mission essential functions,
- Business impact analysis (including personnel, supply chain),
- Vital records and data,
- Delegation of authority, and
- Succession planning.
Relevant standards and guidance documents that address business continuity planning include:
- NFPA Standard 1600, Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity/Continuity of Operations, 2016.
- Water Research Foundation’s Business Continuity Planning for Water Utilities, 2011.
- American Water Works Association M19, Emergency Planning for Water Utilities, Fourth Edition.
- ISO Standard 22301, Societal security — Business continuity management systems — Requirements, 2012.
Here’s a perspective on business continuity planning from a leader in the New England water community…
South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority has a comprehensive and effective risk management program. When asked for his thoughts on business continuity, Jim Flynn, Vice President of Operations, shared the following thoughts:
“Our risk management program, which includes a comprehensive and well implemented business continuity plan, is a valuable and ongoing process to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to identify the impacts of potential losses and maintain viable recovery strategies and continuity of service.”
By Marian Long PE, Gradient Planning LLC
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