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Abstract

The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident through the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. These events can pose significant risks to public water supplies, either by reducing water availability during droughts or damaging the water supply systems' physical infrastructure during floods. In this context, this work aims to explore the critical intersection between climate risk and resilience, emphasizing the necessity of emergency readiness for the drinking water supply in the event of water resource disruptions. As climate change continues to intensify, the frequency of extreme weather events is expected to rise, leading to more frequent and severe disruptions in water supply. Droughts can drastically reduce water availability, affecting both the quantity and quality of supply. On the other hand, floods can cause extensive damage to water infrastructure, leading to deterioration/loss of water supply system components, the possibility of contamination of raw water, and, consequently, interruptions to drinking water supplies. These challenges highlight the urgent need for robust emergency preparedness and response strategies. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (EPRP) are becoming essential in the face of climate change. In the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, plans are already being developed to protect the water supply due to the possibility of impacts from the collapse of mining dams. These plans could be useful to protect the water supply system if it is paralyzed by adverse weather events. The EPRP framework for Drinking Water Supply provides a comprehensive approach to risk assessment, resource allocation, and response coordination. Key steps in developing these plans include identifying impacts, planning emergency water supply scenarios, engaging stakeholders, and establishing clear communication channels for emergency response. In sharing insights from the EPRP for mining dams, this work highlights critical aspects such as contingency planning and community engagement that are essential for an effective emergency response to impacts on the public water supply system.