Severely damaged pipes

Completed
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Exercise Info
Type
Tabletop
Scenario
—
Category
—
Complexity
Moderate
Duration
120 min
Scheduled
—
Injects
10
Scenario Overview
A severe weather event has caused unprecedented rainfall in the region served by Barwon Water. The excessive rain has led to the saturation of the ground, resulting in significant pressure on the underground water pipes. In the early morning hours, a critical section of the main water distribution pipes located near the regional pumping station sustains severe damage, leading to a major leak. This damages the flow of water supply to several key communities and industrial clients. The sudden loss of pressure is detected by the central control system, triggering alarms and alerts within the operations center. As the day progresses, the damage worsens, leading to potential contamination risks and heightened concerns over water quality. The situation requires immediate crisis management to ensure water supply continuity, manage public communication, and meet regulatory reporting obligations.
Aim
To evaluate Barwon Water's ability to effectively respond to and recover from a severe infrastructure failure involving damaged pipes, ensuring minimal disruption to critical water supply and wastewater management services.
Learning Objectives
  • Test the effectiveness of the Crisis Management Team's activation and initial response to the infrastructure failure.
  • Validate the communication protocols and effectiveness of internal and external communications during the incident.
  • Assess the ability of the Business Recovery Teams to implement continuity and recovery plans effectively.
  • Evaluate decision-making processes and clarity of role responsibilities during the incident.
  • Confirm compliance with regulatory and legal obligations related to incident notification and response.
Participants
None recorded.
Master Scenario Events List (MSEL)
drag to reorder
#1 Initial Alert: Water Pressure Drop
Responded
T+5min Initial Alert Email Control Room → Operations Manager

Subject: Urgent: Sudden Drop in Water Pressure Hi Team, We've detected a significant drop in water pressure in the main distribution line near the regional pumping station. Immediate investigation is required. Best, Control Room

Expected: Crisis Management Team (CMT) activation and initial assessment of situation.
#2 Site Assessment Update
Pending
T+13min Situation Development Phone Call Escalation Field Engineer → Operations Manager

Field Engineer: We've confirmed a major leak near the regional station. The pipes are severely damaged due to ground saturation. It looks like water contamination is possible.

Expected: Participants should escalate the issue and begin contamination risk assessment.
#3 Regulator Inquiry
Pending
T+21min Escalation Teams / Slack Comms Regulatory Affairs → CMT

Heads up: The regulator just reached out. They want an update on the water supply issue within the next 2 hours. Need to coordinate our response.

Expected: Draft and approve a response to satisfy regulatory requirements.
#4 Public Concern on Social Media
Pending
T+29min Escalation Social Media Post Comms Local Resident → Public

What's happening with our water? Pressure is low and tastes weird. @BarwonWater #WaterCrisis

Expected: Dispatch public communication team to address public concerns.
#5 Internal Discussion on Contamination Risk
Pending
T+37min Complication Teams / Slack Decision Health and Safety Lead → CMT

We need to decide if a boil water notice is necessary. Possible contamination from the leak.

Expected: Evaluate the need for a public safety advisory.
#6 Media Interest
Pending
T+45min External Pressure Phone Call Comms Local News Reporter → Communications Lead

Reporter: We've heard about the water issue. What's being done to fix it? Is it safe to drink?

Expected: Prepare and deliver a holding statement for the media.
#7 Industrial Client Escalation
Pending
T+53min Complication Email Comms Major Industrial Client → Customer Service

Subject: Urgent: Water Supply Issue Dear Barwon Water, Our operations are severely impacted by the water supply issue. We need an immediate update on the expected restoration timeline. Regards, Industrial Client

Expected: Communicate restoration plans and timelines to key industrial clients.
#8 Decision Time: Water Rationing
Pending
T+61min Decision Point Executive Request Decision Crisis Management Team Lead → Operations Manager

We need to consider water rationing for affected areas. Please provide an assessment of impact and feasibility.

Expected: Assess and propose a water rationing plan.
#9 Stakeholder Pressure: Regulatory Deadline
Pending
T+69min Decision Point Regulator Notice Action Water Authority → Regulatory Affairs

Ref: 2023/09 Water Incident Barwon Water, Please submit your incident report by end of business today, detailing the cause, impact, and mitigation actions. Non-compliance may result in penalties. Regards, Water Authority

Expected: Compile and submit the required incident report to the regulator.
#10 Recovery Initiation: Return to Normal
Pending
T+77min Recovery Initiation Teams / Slack Action Operations Manager → Business Recovery Teams

We've started repairs on the damaged pipes. Let's plan for a gradual return to normal operations over the next 48 hours.

Expected: Initiate recovery plans and communicate timelines for service restoration.