1. Drinking Water System Threats and Vulnerabilities Break-out Session Bruce Kiselica, Chief Drinking Water Section USEPA, Region II June 27-28, 2002 Rutgers University New Jersey

2. Potential Threats to Drinking Water Systems Objective of attack:  Interrupt supply of safe water.  Create widespread fear and panic.  Produce mass casualties. Type of attack:  Introduction of contaminants (focus of workshop)

3. Vulnerabilities to Contamination WTP Wells Distribution System Reservoir Canals & Pipes River Tanks Pumps

4. Source Water Vulnerabilities Surface water sources:  Very large dilution factors are typical.  Natural treatment processes can remove or neutralize contaminants.  Contamination near the intake will minimize dilution and natural treatment.  Off-stream storage is vulnerable to attack.

5. Distribution System Vulnerabilities Large, complex, and accessible:  Commercial & residential service connections.  Fire hydrants.  Finished water storage. Impossible to eliminate all access, but …  key system components can be hardened. Difficult to contaminate an entire city via the distribution system, but …  fairly easy to impact small sections or individual buildings.

6. Threats and Vulnerabilities Discussion Questions What are the contamination threats?  Distribution system #1  Hoaxes and pranks (lots since 9/11)  Need “top 10+” list to monitor (differs by systems)  Questions on sensor time-frame info (depends where) What information on threats is needed?  Vary too much – can one address all?  ISAC needed – realize some info will get out.

7. Threats and Vulnerabilities Discussion Questions (con’t) What can be done to reduce contamination vulnerabilities?  Utilities need to protect all sensitive info.  Source Water develop baseline on quality for EWS  Distribution System develop baseline on quality for EWS GIS-based consumer complaints program biomonitors (fish tanks in schools?)

8. Threats and Vulnerabilities Recommendations Before EWS - need to evaluate risks of entire system EWS can help (against hoaxes & real thing) A lot can be done with little or no $$ Enlist recreation user eyes We all need to think outside the box Utilities need info on “top 10+” to do VA’s and respond to incidents Let’s not forget common sense!

9. For more info, questions, etc……. Contact:  Kiselica.Bruce@epa.govKiselica.Bruce@epa.gov  212-637-3879