NCJ Number
193085
Date Published
2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This report reviewed the potential terrorist threat to water and wastewater systems with emphasis on existing security problems creating vulnerability and the implementation of security measures to protect water facilities.
Abstract
Historically, the threat of sabotage to water and wastewater systems was not seen as a viable threat. However, due to the events of 2001, the threat has become a more plausible one. In examining water system sabotage, two types should be considered: vandalism the interruption in supply and reduction in quantity; and terrorism, the contamination of the water supply and reduction in quality. There is an urgent need to conduct a vulnerability assessment and develop an emergency response plan to reduce the chances of future occurrences in sabotage, vandalism, and terrorism and secure water and wastewater systems. The report presented an overview of basic security measures in the defense of water facilities from supply interruptions, as well as security measures in the protection of wastewater utilities. The implementation of an emergency response plan should include a test of the plan and an evaluation based upon performance of the tests. In 2001, the Public Health Security and Bio-Terrorism Response Act was passed requiring all water utilities serving over 3,300 people to perform a vulnerability assessment that included water collection, pretreatment, treatment, distribution, storage, electronic or automated systems, and the use, handling, and storage of all chemicals. The report concludes with the inclusion of a general basic water system evaluation checklist.