Added as the eighth lifeline in v2.1, this focuses on the provision and management of safe water and wastewater services. Components include Potable Water Infrastructure (intake, treatment, storage, and distribution) and Wastewater Management (collection, treatment, and disposal). It ensures access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks, support hygiene, and sustain health and medical efforts, addressing a critical gap in prior constructs by separating it from Food, Hydration, and Shelter for more precise impact assessment and prioritization.

Components of the Water Systems Lifeline

The Water Systems Lifeline is segmented into two primary components to ensure comprehensive stabilization: 

• Potable Water Infrastructure:

  • Intake: Accessing raw water sources.

  • Treatment: Cleaning water for safe consumption.

  • Storage: Holding treated water.

  • Distribution: Delivering water to end-users.

• Wastewater Management:

  • Collection: Gathering sewage from households/businesses.

  • Storage: Holding sewage for treatment.

  • Treatment: Processing wastewater.

  • Discharge: Safe release of treated water.