This paper outlines the criticality of water supply in sustained operations of healthcare facilities, particularly during times of community emergencies, and advocates for enhanced cross sector support from the water utilities in meeting this need. Information and ideas presented here were developed in the course of a regional project for development of emergency water supply operation plans for critical water uses in the Washington, D.C. area. Examples of critical impacts on hospitals due to water supply interruption are presented, along with more rigorous standards for hospital emergency preparedness and options for hospital emergency water supply. Includes 11 references, figures.