Statewide CWS Security and Emergency Communication Notification System
The DPH/DWS uses the CT Health Alert Network (CT HAN) and the Wide Area Notification System (WANS) communication mechanisms. The CTHAN is a composite of communication mechanisms including broadcast fax, and web based blast e-mail. It is a means of relaying secure and sensitive drinking water security and public health bioterrorism information to all involved parties.
Connecticut’s community water systems serving a population of one thousand or greater have provided contact information of staff that are appropriately designated to handle high priority and sensitive security information. Those chosen to assume this responsibility are considered equivalent to the EPA’s Water Utility Emergency Response Manager (WUERM) designation. A WUERM is an emergency response lead who is the main point of contact and decision maker during a major event affecting your PWS. As a result, the WEURM may receive critical information from the CT DPH during an actual or perceived public health threat or emergency and must be prepared to act accordingly. Information can be filtered to PWS contacts through broadcast fax, blast e-mail, and/or the WANS.
Please read the WANS Information Form to learn more about the WANS (i.e. what the WANS is, what the messages say, how to respond to the messages you receive, etc.) and your responsibilities within this notification system. If your CWS would like to be involved in the CTHAN, download a WANS Contact Information Form and have the appropriate staff person(s) fill out and return to the DWS.
WANS Contact Information Form and Instructions
Please contact Rachel Nowek of the DWS with any questions at (860) 509-7333.