Mi-WARN

History of MI-WARN

Following major national disasters such as the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, water and wastewater utilities across the United States recognized the need for a faster, more organized system of mutual assistance.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) encouraged states to establish Water/Wastewater Agency Response Networks (WARNs) to formalize mutual aid agreements before disasters occur. These networks ensure that legal protections, reimbursement structures, and coordination processes are already in place.

MI-WARN was established during this national movement in the mid-to-late 2000s to provide Michigan utilities with a structured statewide mutual aid framework focused on protecting public health, restoring service quickly, and strengthening infrastructure resilience.

MI-WARN Achievements

Since its formation, MI-WARN has contributed to strengthening Michigan’s water sector by:

• Establishing a statewide mutual aid agreement framework
• Connecting utilities across regions of Michigan
• Facilitating inter-utility emergency assistance
• Promoting preparedness and emergency planning
• Encouraging collaboration among water sector partners

As MI-WARN continues to re-engage and strengthen participation, the focus remains on building active leadership, expanding regional representation, and enhancing training opportunities.

How Can MI-WARN Help My Agency?

MI-WARN supports utilities by providing:

• Rapid Access to Resources: Quickly connect with trained personnel and essential equipment during emergencies.
• Clear Legal Framework: Operate under a pre-established mutual aid agreement with defined reimbursement and liability language.
• Faster Emergency Response: Reduce delays caused by negotiating assistance during a crisis.
• Peer-to-Peer Support: Utilities helping utilities with practical, real-world experience.
• Strengthened Resilience: Improve preparedness and recovery capabilities across Michigan.

How MI-WARN Works

1. A utility signs the MI-WARN Mutual Aid Agreement.
2. The utility maintains updated emergency contact information.
3. When assistance is needed, a request is submitted through the network.
4. Participating utilities respond based on availability.
5. Documentation and reimbursement follow the agreement terms.

Participation is voluntary. Prepared utilities protect communities.

Who Can Participate?

MI-WARN serves:

• Drinking water utilities
• Wastewater utilities
• Municipal systems
• Regional authorities
• Tribal systems

If your agency provides water or wastewater service in Michigan, MI-WARN is designed for you.

The MI-WARN Mutual Aid Agreement establishes the framework that allows participating utilities to provide assistance to one another during emergencies.

The agreement helps utilities respond more efficiently by outlining:

• Roles and responsibilities
• Resource sharing procedures
• Reimbursement expectations
• Liability protections
• Worker protections and deployment considerations

By signing the agreement, utilities become part of a statewide network focused on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.

Participation is voluntary, and utilities maintain full control over whether resources are available at the time of a request.

MI-WARN supports preparedness and emergency coordination by encouraging utilities to maintain access to critical response information and resources.

Examples of emergency support resources include:

• Emergency contact coordination
• Utility mutual aid assistance
• Equipment and personnel support
• Incident communication procedures
• Emergency preparedness planning
• Tabletop exercise participation
• Regional coordination efforts

Additional tools and training opportunities may be added as MI-WARN continues to expand engagement and preparedness initiatives across Michigan.

MI-WARN Leadership

Tim Neumann, Executive Director- MRWA

Cheryl Vosburg, Executive Director- MWEA

Wayne Jernberg, Utilities Director- City of Grand Rapids Water System

Jonelle Moore, Executive Director- MI-AWWA 

General Questions

Do I have to respond to every request for assistance?
No. Participation in MI-WARN is voluntary. Utilities determine availability and capability at the time of each request.

Can small utilities participate in MI-WARN?
Absolutely. MI-WARN is designed for utilities of all sizes. Smaller systems often benefit greatly from access to additional resources and regional support networks.

Does MI-WARN replace local emergency management procedures?
No. MI-WARN complements existing emergency response plans and local emergency management processes by providing an additional utility-to-utility support network.

Can wastewater and drinking water utilities assist each other?
Yes. MI-WARN supports both drinking water and wastewater utilities and encourages statewide collaboration during emergencies.

How quickly can assistance be requested?
Because the mutual aid agreement is already established, requests can be made immediately during an emergency situation, helping reduce delays in response coordination.

Can MI-WARN be used for planned events or only emergencies?
MI-WARN is primarily intended for emergencies and disaster response situations, but the relationships and coordination developed through the network can also support preparedness planning and training efforts.

Why should our agency participate if we may never need assistance?
Participation strengthens Michigan’s overall emergency preparedness network. Even if your utility never requires assistance, your involvement helps ensure resources and support are available statewide when communities need them most.

Will MI-WARN provide training opportunities?
As the program continues to grow and re-engage, MI-WARN leadership intends to support preparedness initiatives such as tabletop exercises, coordination meetings, and emergency response discussions.

Website

MI-WARN.org