As much as we can sort of compare to the past, we are dealing with a bunch if new technology in the present that might complicate things. I don't know if electricity powers our water supply as well, but if it does and we have a grid down situation, well that would be bad.
Like you said, the government would prioritize utilities, but if society falls into anarchy for a bit, that might be enough to affect things.
And while I agree that improper resource allocation can be deadly, I imagine a bunch of canned food and a tarp will be a boom, not a liability.
