Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, 4 Volume Set

PROTECTING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE UNITED STATES

JONATHAN G. HERRMANN, KATHLEEN A. NICKEL, AND AMELIA D. MCCALL

National Homeland Security Research Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio

1 INTRODUCTION

Ensuring clean and safe water has been the responsibility of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since it was formed in 1970. Water infrastructure was designated one of a number of critical infrastructures for the United States, and EPA was designated the lead federal agency responsible for protecting water systems by Presidential Decision Directive 63 (PDD-63) [1]. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, water system protection became an even more important national public health and safety priority. Beginning with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act (Bioterrorism Act) of 2002 and continuing with a series of Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs), both Congress and the White House have further recognized the water sector as a critical infrastructure deserving protection from threats and intentional attacks.

Federal agencies and water utilities have been directed by both the legislative and executive branches of government to take steps that heighten the security and protection of the water sector. Consistent with these legislative and executive requirements, EPA has taken many actions, in collaboration with partners from the water industry, academia, and other government agencies, ...