Village Updates Water System Emergency Plans to Meet Federal Standards

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | February 2, 2026

Article Summary: The Village Board authorized a contract with HR Green, Inc. to update Frankfort’s Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan, a federal requirement for community water systems. The $19,690 agreement ensures the village remains compliant with the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.

Water System Security Key Points:

• Contractor: HR Green, Inc., the same firm that completed the village’s initial assessment in 2021.

• Cost: A not-to-exceed amount of $19,690.

• Requirement: Federal law mandates a review and update of these safety documents every five years.

• Scope: The study covers physical barriers, cyber security, chemical storage, and emergency response procedures.

The Frankfort Village Board on Monday, February 2, 2026, took steps to secure the local water supply against physical and digital threats by approving an updated professional services agreement with HR Green, Inc.

Trustee Michael Leddin presented the resolution, explaining that the work is mandated by the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA). The federal law requires all community water systems serving more than 3,300 residents to conduct a Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and prepare an Emergency Response Plan (ERP), which must be recertified every five years.

“The purpose of the update is to review and revise the original assessment as necessary to reflect current system conditions, operational practices, infrastructure changes, and evolving risks and threats,” stated Utilities Director Zachary Brown in a memo to the board.

Since the initial study was completed in 2021, the village has added a new well and a new water treatment plant to its system, both of which must now be incorporated into the security assessment.

The assessment evaluates vulnerabilities related to natural hazards, malevolent acts, and cyber security. It also examines the resilience of pipes, physical barriers, source water, and financial systems.

HR Green, Inc., which performed the original 2021 assessment, was selected to ensure continuity. The contract is valued at an amount not to exceed $19,690. The village must certify the completion of the RRA to the U.S. EPA by June 29, 2026, and the ERP by December 31, 2026.