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

DRINKING WATER SUPPLY, TREATMENT, AND DISTRIBUTION PRACTICE IN THE UNITED STATES*

YAKIR J. HASIT

CH2M HILL, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

FORREST GIST

CH2M HILL, Portland, Oregon

REX HESNER

CH2M HILL, Oakland, California

KEN THOMPSON

CH2M HILL, Englewood, Colorado

1 RISK MITIGATION

To mitigate risks, United States (US) water systems typically use one or more of the following general approaches:

• adding physical protection systems (PPSs), equipment, or hardware;
• developing security policies/procedures;
• modifying management and staffing practices.

If utilities cannot mitigate risks through one or more of these means, then the other options they have used are to accept the risk as a cost of doing business or to reduce the risk by buying insurance.

2 PHYSICAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

PPSs have included perimeter hardening improvements, such as fences or gates, and electronic security systems, such as card access or camera surveillance systems. However, not all security systems that have been installed have been effective. An effective PPS must include elements of deterrence, detection/assessment, delay, and response. These elements are described below.

2.1 Deterrence

Deterrence is the capability to discourage an adversary from attempting to perform a malevolent act against a facility. Deterrence can be accomplished in one or more ways, including:

• well-maintained fencing or walls that present an imposing presence;
• presence of signage that indicates prosecution if trespassing occurs;
• good lighting; ...