The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released a story describing the capabilities of its ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System. It also provides examples of how critical infrastructure (including a water system) take advantage of this system to protect themselves when the shaking starts.

Using a broad collection of sensors across the West Coast, the U.S. Geological Survey can issue machine automated ShakeAlert Messages when an earthquake fits a certain risk profile. These messages are then processed by various partner organizations to provide timely warning information to citizens and facilities, as well as trigger certain automated actions in critical infrastructure. Grants Pass, Oregon, uses ShakeAlert Messages to shut off waterways and close valves at water reservoirs in the critical seconds before an earthquake hits, while San Francisco’s BART triggers train slowdowns based off the alerts. ShakeAlert is available to the public and the U.S. Geological Survey provides technical assistance for organizations interested in processing ShakeAlert Messages. Read more at USGS.