Resources: MEWARN: Maine Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network

About MEWARN

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

Prepare for the next natural or human-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 human-made disaster. - A forum for developing and maintaining emergency contacts and relationships.

Why Become a Member of MEWARN?

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.
There is no cost or commitment to join MEWARN, and assistance is strictly voluntary.
MEWARN is developed, managed and run by Maine water and wastewater utilities. Who is better trained and equipped to help you in your time of need than your peers in the industry?

MEWARN's 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.

Who Can Participate?

All Maine public and private water and wastewater utilities may Member 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.

Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement

The Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement (PDF) 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.

Learn More About MEWARN

To learn even more about MEWARN or share MEWARN information with associates and colleagues, download the MEWARN brochure (PDF).

Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention