Montana Department of Environmental Quality About Us Permitting & Operator Assistance Public Participation

Public Water Supply Emergency, Safety, and Preparedness

Program Overview

In an emergency, make sure you notify 911 and your local authorities first. Then proceed to contact our program through the Disaster and Emergency Services duty officer program at 406-324-4777, which notifies the DEQ duty officer, or contact our offices directly during business hours.

For more information related to emergency preparedness, security, or safety, or if you have questions or comments about these resources contact Kirk Yoder.

The information below is intended to provide resources and information for public water systems related to emergency preparedness, security, and safety.

PWS EMERGENCY CONTACT

Kirk Yoder (406) 444-7494
1520 E 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601

Resources

State & Federal Laws


Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared to respond to threats and incidents is not just a plan.


Safety & Security

As there are numerous safety considerations there is no comprehensive list for all public water systems. The Safety and Health Bureau should be consulted in Montana if an assessment is needed to determine safety hazards and requirements.

Security

The American Water Works Association has tools, provides standards, and has links to additional resources for physical security and cypersecurity planning. Vulnerability Assessments are considered a critical starting point of security planning and overall preparedness.

DEQ does not currently send out cybersecurity updates. Please consider subscribing to CISA.GOV updates for FREE critical cybersecurity updates.


Cybersecurity in Sanitary Surveys 

Self Assessment Resources

EPA: Water Cybersecurity Assessment Tool and Risk Mitigation Plan Template

EPA: Guidance on Evaluating Cybersecurity During Public Water System Sanitary Surveys

CISA: Cyber Resilience Review

CISA: Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals

CISA: Cybersecurity Evaluation Tool

NIST: AXIO Cybersecurity Program Assessment Tool

MS-ISAC: Risk Assessment Method

MS-ISAC: Critical Security Controls

Third - Party Assessment Resources

EPA: Water Sector Cybersecurity Evaluation Program

CISA: CISA Cybersecurity Advisor

The following are technical assistance providers that can help with Vulnerability Assessments and developing Emergency Response Plans

Vulnerability Assessments can be a critical part of security planning and overall emergency preparedness