Division of Environmental and Community Health

MEWARN News and Events

2018 WARN Chairs Meeting Summary

Next MEWARN Steering Committee Meeting April, 2020. Date, time, and location TBD,

What is MEWARN?

MEWARN is a statewide Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) of utilities helping utilities to:

• Prepare for the next natural or man made emergency.
• Organize response according to established guidelines.
• Share personnel and equipment statewide.

Why do we need MEWARN?

Water and wastewater systems provide our communities with a life-sustaining resource that is vital to maintaining public health, sanitation and safety. When water and wastewater services are interrupted for extended periods of time, a community’s well-being quickly deteriorates. Without adequate water and wastewater services, the people of Maine are vulnerable to property loss from fire as well as deteriorating health from unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitation. When struck by a man-made or natural disaster, the MEWARN provides the necessary resources and tools to restore essential services quickly and efficiently.

How does MEWARN help?

MEWARN provides water and wastewater utilities with:

• A Mutual Aid Agreement and process for sharing emergency resources statewide.
• A mutual assistance program consistent with other statewide mutual aid and assistance programs and the National Incident Management System.
• The resources to respond and recover more quickly from a natural or man made disaster.
• A forum for developing and maintaining emergency contacts and relationships.

Why Join MEWARN?

• There is no cost or commitment to join MEWARN, and assistance is strictly voluntary.
• Being a member of MEWARN will make you eligible for FEMA disaster reimbursement in a federally declared disaster.
• Access to a database of utilities and resources.
• Timely access to resources in the database.
• MEWARN is developed, managed and run by water and wastewater utilities. Who is better trained and equipped to help you in your time of need than your peers in the industry?

Mission

The mission of the MEWARN is to support and promote statewide emergency preparedness, disaster response and mutual aid for public and private water and wastewater utilities.

Participation

All public and private water and wastewater utilities may join MEWARN by signing and having your governing boards approve the Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement. This agreement allows members, at their own discretion, to coordinate response activities and share resources during emergencies.

Agreement

The Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement sets forth the procedures and standards for the administration of the MEWARN. All actions of MEWARN members are made in accordance with the articles of the MEWARN agreement.

Governance

MEWARN is governed by a Steering Committee made up of voting members from water and wastewater utilities across the state. The purpose of the Steering Committee is to provide organization, policy setting, communication and guidance in the structure, operation and promotion of the MEWARN. In addition, the Steering Committee develops, approves, sponsors and endorses specific emergency preparedness training for all MEWARN members.

The Steering Committee is comprised of voting members and associate (non-voting) members. Voting members represent utility organizations and consist of utility staff, district trustees or elected officials. Associate members are state government agencies and technical assistance providers. Associate members assist the MEWARN with advice, resources and coordination with regulatory agencies.

Want more information about MEWARN?

Would you like to learn even more about MEWARN or even share MEWARN information with associates and colleagues? Click here to download our MEWARN brochure.

MEWARN Members

The state of Maine is divided into 16 counties. Click on each county on the map to display membership for that county, or see the entire MEWARN membership.

Related Links

MEWARN Mutual Aid Agreement (PDF)

MEWARN Operational Plan Version Control #4 (PDF)

Bylaws of the MEWARN Steering Committee (PDF)

AWWA Resource Typing Manual (PDF)

FEMA Reimbursement Rates

IS-100.PWb- Introduction to the Incident Command System for Public Works

IS-200.b- ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

IS-700.a- National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction

IS-800.B- National Response Framework, An Introduction

Preparing for Extreme Weather at Wastewater Utilities: Strategies and Tips (PDF)

MEWARN Agencies and Organizations

Maine County Emergency Management Agencies

Maine Department of Environmental Protection 207-287-7688

Maine Drinking Water Program 207-287-2070

Maine Emergency Management Agency 207-624-4400

Maine Public Utilities Commission 207-287-3831

Maine Rural Water Association 207-737-4092

Maine Water Environment Association 800-452-8786

Maine Water Utilities Association 207-623-9511

RCAP Solutions 207-766-3065

Contact Us

MEWARN members can request assistance 24/7 during an emergency by calling one of the numbers below. To learn more about the MEWARN or how to become a member, please contact the Maine Drinking Water Program.

Maine Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network
c/o Maine Rural Water Association
P.O. Box 263
Richmond, ME 04357
Phone: (207) 380-7324 or (207) 841-8920

Contact Form

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