Water Utility Security: Multiple Hazards and Multiple Barriers

Abstract

In recent years, the United States has learned much from natural disasters about risk to infrastructure systems, and now it faces new threats from malevolent attacks and other human-caused sources. The paper provides a comprehensive report on the experience base with water utility disasters and offers guidance for risk management and analysis. It is based on an American Water Works Association Research Foundation project that included a background study, industry interviews, and a workshop. Methods for risk analysis are in limited use by utilities because of a lack of data and lack of training and priority within utilities. Theories have advanced, but they need to be validated and developed further. Other infrastructure systems have characteristics that are similar to water supply, and water utility experience with risk can strengthen them. Risk management in utilities is more complex and far-reaching than current methods handle. For natural hazards, a great deal is known about threats, but less is known about vulnerability and consequences. Human-caused threats need more assessment across the board. Improvements in planning, management, design, construction, and operations are required. In spite of the experience base, a great deal of additional research is required. By adopting smart strategies, utilities can improve security. They have some tools, but require more comprehensive approaches and better tools, which can be used effectively by their workforces. The “multiple hazards” and “multiple barriers” approach also applies to other infrastructure services that have similar features. Work is needed to understand system vulnerabilities and create protective strategies for them as well.