Becoming a Resilient Water System: A Transformative Process

Abstract Few things in life are as important as access to clean water. The evolution from access to water through individual wells to centralized treatment and distribution systems opened the door for the growth of suburbs, the improved management of water resources, and the protection of public health. With such an important role in the community they serve, water utilities must be prepared for the risks it may face. Understanding how a water system has evolved over time, the components critical to delivery, and the management policies in place all contribute to understanding and expanding its resilience. This chapter examines how the Onondaga County Water Authority grew to the system it is today and how resilience became an important component of its day-to-day management.