What is RiWARN?

RiWARN is a Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) that allows water and wastewater systems in Rhode Island to receive rapid mutual aid and assistance from other systems in RI to restore facilities damaged by natural or man-made incidents. Utilities sign the RIWARN standard agreement, which then allows them to share resources with any other system in RI that has also signed the standard agreement.  

Why do we need RiWARN?

Water and wastewater systems provide our communities with a life-sustaining resource that is of vital importance 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, as evidenced by Hurricane Katrina. And without adequate water supply, our communities are vulnerable to devastating fires. By restoring water and wastewater service in the most efficient manner possible, RIWARN provides renewed hope for fast recovery from such disasters.

Who can participate?

RI WARN is available to all public and private water and wastewater systems in RI. Participation is voluntary, and is not mandated by any local, state, or federal regulation. In RI, there is no fee to participate in the program.

What role does the agreement play?

During an emergency, the process and procedures to give and receive mutual aid and assistance are governed by the articles in the RIWARN agreement. The agreement covers issues such as requesting assistance, giving assistance, reimbursement, worker’s compensation, insurance, liability, and dispute resolution.

You may download the agreement on the right of this page.

Current Members

The RIWARN currently has 21 members. Members have exclusive access to full information about other members via the “members only” section of this Web site.