Report from the Contamination Warning System CIPAC Workgroup

Abstract

A workgroup of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council was convened in May 2011 to assess contamination warning systems for early detection of and response to contamination events in drinking water distribution systems. This article summarizes the workgroup's efforts and excerpts significant findings from the report.

Building resilience for an uncertain drinking water future

“…It should be noted that these comparisons are intended to provide a broader view related to the countermeasures' life cycle economic performances based on a set of confined data. Individual water systems will have unique needs, opportunities, and affordability associated with the effectiveness and employment of countermeasures and emergency response capabilities (Sullivan & Schmelling, 2012). Oftentimes, local conditions, including threat expectations, consequence reduction, dual‐use benefits (e.g., enhancements to utility operations or community preparedness), resources, and capabilities will govern implementation (Sullivan & Schmelling, 2012).…”

“…Individual water systems will have unique needs, opportunities, and affordability associated with the effectiveness and employment of countermeasures and emergency response capabilities (Sullivan & Schmelling, 2012). Oftentimes, local conditions, including threat expectations, consequence reduction, dual‐use benefits (e.g., enhancements to utility operations or community preparedness), resources, and capabilities will govern implementation (Sullivan & Schmelling, 2012). Based on data collected, bulk water and pre‐packaged water have the lowest averaged EAC values, followed by emergency water treatment, interconnections, and online water quality monitoring; local water supply alternatives, reclaimed water, and isolation valves have the highest costs.…”

“…In addition, false alarms may trigger unnecessary emergency response, which also may incur additional cost and reduce trust in the alarms' reliability. Online monitoring systems may help the drinking water systems to better understand the distribution system hydraulics, improve process control, and enhance customer service; however, they also increase system sophistication that places additional capability demands on water systems and exposes them to additional challenges (Sullivan & Schmelling, 2012). Furthermore, monitoring and surveillance components that are not supported with well‐defined response actions will provide little value in mitigating consequences (Sullivan & Schmelling, 2012).…”