Flint Water Crisis: Leadership Lessons for Drinking Water Disaster Risk Reduction
About
This online training examines the Flint Water Crisis as a case study in technological and infrastructure-related disaster risk affecting public water systems and public health.
Presented by Anthony Ross, former EPA Flint Safe Drinking Water Act Emergency Coordinator, the training explores how failures in corrosion control, regulatory oversight, governance, and system management contributed to widespread lead contamination and long-term public health impacts. Drawing on firsthand experience from the federal response, the session examines lessons learned from Flint and their application to drinking water disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, regulatory oversight, and critical infrastructure resilience.
The training highlights the importance of risk-informed decision-making, early identification of system failures, effective governance, and accountability in protecting drinking water systems and the communities they serve.
Objectives
- Strengthen understanding of technological and infrastructure-related risks in drinking water systems.
- Improve identification of early warning signs associated with contamination events, treatment failures, and regulatory noncompliance.
- Support preparedness and response planning for drinking water emergencies.
- Enhance governance, accountability, and risk-informed decision-making.
- Promote resilience of critical drinking water infrastructure and protection of public health.
Key Topics
- Lead contamination and corrosion control treatment
- Safe Drinking Water Act compliance and enforcement
- Early warning signs and risk detection
- Public health impacts, including Legionella and waterborne disease
- Government accountability and institutional response
- Drinking water system resilience and lessons learned from Flint
Target Audience
Federal and state regulators, senior leadership, public water system operators, government agencies, emergency management professionals, and others responsible for drinking water safety, regulatory oversight, critical infrastructure resilience, and public health protection.
Registration
This training is open to the public. Advance registration is required. This is a paid professional training event. Registration details, fees, and access information are available on the event registration page.
Organizer
Environmental & Public Health International® (EPHI)
Additional Information
Anthony Ross is the founder and Director of Environmental & Public Health International® and served as EPA's Flint Safe Drinking Water Act Emergency Coordinator during the Flint Water Crisis. The training draws upon lessons learned from one of the most consequential drinking water crises in modern U.S. history and examines their relevance to disaster risk reduction, governance, resilience, and public health protection.