Water Security
Drinking water professionals have been aware for a long time of security issues surrounding the provision of drinking water to the public, from securing reservoirs and wells to protecting treatment facilities to guarding materials on those facilities to the distribution system. Working vigilantly to safeguard our most valuable natural resource, water systems around the nation have had emergency preparedness and response plans in place for many years. They work closely with local, state, and federal officials to identify emergency scenarios and develop strategies for cooperative responses. Many have enlisted the support and resources of professional organizations and agencies, such as the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to assist them. Since 9/11, water systems across North American have revisited their emergency response plans and began taking additional steps to protect treatment plants and pipes. In the U.S., $2 billion has been spent among water suppliers nationwide to address basic security needs, including improved fencing, lights, alarms and locks.
Causes of Water Supply Emergencies
Water supply emergencies are very rare. While this post-9/11 era has everyone focused on terrorism, there are many possible causes for a water emergency:
- Natural disaster, such as earthquakes or hurricanes
- Water contamination resulting from stormwater runoff
- System malfunctions
- Power outages
- Vandalism
- Human error
- Major water main breaks
- Sabotage/terrorism
- Waste leakage
- Civil unrest
You Can Help
You can help keep the water supply safe. Water treatment plants, water storage tanks, fire hydrants, and other utility facilities may be located throughout your community. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity around these locations and water storage reservoirs. If you see something unusual, contact your local police department and your water utility immediately.