About

The California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN) is a network of water and wastewater agencies in the state of California, helping each other to respond to and recover from disasters.  WARNs all over the country do this by providing the support mechanisms for coordination and cooperation before incidents occur.  CalWARN is run entirely by volunteers from CalWARN signatory utilities (member agencies).

The CalWARN Mission: CalWARN supports and promotes statewide emergency preparedness, disaster response, and mutual assistance processes for public and private water and wastewater utilities.

This new CalWARN Web Portal expands Signatory Utilities’ ability to achieve agency, regional and state preparedness by providing new tools and proven practices that can enhance readiness while providing daily value to your organization and customers.

The CalWARN Program provides its member utilities with:

Frequently asked questions

Will a responding utility be reimbursed for the use of their resources?

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  • Responding utilities may exercise their discretion in requesting reimbursement for resources provided, or provide the resources at no cost.
  • Reimbursement discussions should occur between the requesting and responding agencies BEFORE assistance is provided to avoid confusion.

What happens if equipment on loan is damaged or stolen?

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  • There is an explicit expectation that CalWARN signatories will use, maintain, and protect loaned resources with the same care they show to their own resources.  However, theft is an increasing problem in the water sector, and accidents do happen.
  • The CalWARN agreement contains a framework for how to manage the issues of loss or damage, with clear identification of cost reimbursement, dispute resolution, and indemnification.

What happens if a utility sends resources and needs them back?

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  • Each utility must determine whether sending resources would impact their ability to manage daily operations, or respond to an emergency of their own.  That said, circumstances may change.
  • If a utility needs their loaned resources back, they may recall them at any time.  Resources remain under the authority of the lending utility.

Is CalWARN help available in emergencies that have not been proclaimed by the governor, or declared by the president?

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CalWARN assistance can be requested in any situation where a signatory utility finds themselves unable to respond to an emergency – usually the speed and/or scope of the incident means that the utility cannot handle it internally.

How is CalWARN different from the California Mutual Aid Agreement (CMAA), which is managed by emergency management personnel?

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  • A statewide program like CMAA requires several steps between a local agency requesting resources and the state providing them; CalWARN members can go directly to each other.
  • CMAA is managed by CalOES, and CalWARN is managed by water/wastewater agencies.

How does a utility get assistance during an emergency?

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  • The WARN member who needs help identifies the resources needed for emergency/disaster response
  • The WARN member who needs help can do any of the following:
    • Request assistance from agencies with which they already have mutual aid agreements
    • Reach out directly to other CalWARN signatory agencies, using the maps and member reports on our website
    • Request assistance from their region co-chairs (by phone call, direct email, or the Request Assistance form on this website)

Are CalWARN signatories required to respond and send resources?

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  • There is no obligation to respond
  • Responding utilities determine what resources are available and whether they can provide them for response

Are CalWARN mutual assistance activities eligible for FEMA reimbursement after a disaster?

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  • FEMA reimbursement may apply only after a presidential declaration of emergency.  The agency requesting and receiving assistance from CalWARN signatory utilities must apply to FEMA for reimbursement, after paying for assistance received.
  • FEMA disaster grant reimbursement requirements specify that three components must meet eligibility for reimbursement in any given declared disaster:
    • Applicant – your agency meets the eligibility requirements for the grant
    • Area – the work performed or the damaged facilities/equipment were located in the area designated in the declaration
    • Activity – the activities performed meet the eligibility criteria
  • If the above three criteria are met, then in addition, FEMA will expect:
    • The agreement for assistance was in effect prior to the response/deployment of resources (the CalWARN signatory agreement)
    • The assistance was requested by the agency in need (NOT self-deployed by the lending agency)
    • The work performed/equipment used/materials consumed were directly related to the disaster and are otherwise eligible for FEMA assistance
    • Your agency can provide documentation of rates and payment for services