Protecting the Nation's Drinking Water
The intentional contamination of drinking water is a serious terrorist threat. To counter this hazard, the EPA adopted its Water Security Initiative. As a part of this important homeland security program, CSC worked with the EPA and the Greater Cincinnati Water Works on a pilot program that will serve as a national water-security model that other utilities could adopt. The result: a comprehensive and fully coordinated surveillance and monitoring system intended to provide early detection and awareness of chemical, biological, and radiochemical agents.
The Cincinnati contamination warning system—which was completed in 2007 and is in full operation—includes online sensors placed at strategic points in the water distribution system to detect irregularities in water quality. In addition, the pilot system also includes enhanced water sampling and analysis for non-traditional contaminants, physical security monitoring, consumer complaint surveillance, and enhanced, multi-agency public health surveillance. The system includes a comprehensive consequence management plan, which involves not only the water utility, but law enforcement, first responders, and public health agencies, at the local, state, and federal levels.
Other pilots are planned, including one in New York City, based on the success of the Cincinnati system. The EPA plans to use the results of the pilot programs to develop practical guidance and outreach to promote voluntary national adoption of effective and sustainable drinking water contamination warning systems.
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