THE UTILIZATION OF COMMON PARAMETER MONITORING AS AN ON-LINE SURVEILLANCE TOOL FOR WATER SECURITY: IDENTIFYING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM INCURSIONS THROUGH THE USE OF INTERPRETIVE ALGORITHMS

摘要

After the initial terror attacks of September 11th, 2004, the nation found itself in crisis mode. Quick assessments were done of critical infrastructure to determine vulnerabilities. Initial reports on the nations drinking water system recognized it as a target, but overall, it was deemed fairly secure due to the vast quantities of material that would be needed to compromise a reservoir. As time went on and more in-depth analysis was performed, the picture began to change. That our systems, as they are currently configured, are vulnerable to attack has been widely recognized. While most supply sources are limited in their vulnerability due to the massive volumes of water involved, the distribution systems remain a vulnerable and tempting target as was clearly stated in a recent GAO report to Congress that listed the vulnerability of the distribution system to attack as the largest security risk to water supplies. Terrorists have the ability to compromise a system through an assault anywhere in the distribution system through the introduction of any one of a large number of possible threat agents through a backflow event. Key infrastructure and icon locations such as hospitals, large hotels, sporting venues, police stations, firehouses, military bases and government buildings could be targeted. This by no means precludes an attack on an individual neighborhood, apartment block, or small town, which could result in mass panic and cause great harm to the national psyche.