2008 Annual Update to the Water Sector-Specific Plan
The Water SSP is a broad-based Water Sector critical infrastructure protection implementation strategy developed under the Department of Homeland
Security's National Infrastructure Protection Plan and was produced by EPA in coordination with Water Sector security partners which includes our Water
Sector Coordinating Council (SCC) and Government Coordinating Council (GCC). The 2008 Update provides recent information about selected protective programs and
activities to measure progress in the sector.
Document Type:
Homeland Security Presidential Directives
Date Published:
Unknown
|
AWWA Security Webcast - Emergency Response Planning: Counter Terrorism and Security in the Water Industry
Material from the webcast sponsored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The presentations emphasize identifying and contacting resources available to support utilities' security efforts. PowerPoint presentations  shown during the webcast are available.
Document Type:
Webcast Presentations
Date Published:
05/09/2002
|
Case Study for a Distribution System Emergency Response Tool
Report evaluating the feasibility of using the PipelineNet water distribution system model in different water utility settings and recommendations for upgrading. Completed by the American Water Works Association Research Foundation.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Certification of Completion of an Emergency Response Plan
Fill-and-print form that certifies completion of an emergency response plan. The instructions explain how to submit the form to EPA.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Chicagoland Water and Wastewater Preparedness and Business Resiliency Summit: A Community Forum on Interdependencies
The EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water partnered with EPA Region and the Chicago Manufacturing Center's Great Lakes Partnership Program on a pilot project in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Chicagoland Water and Wastewater Preparedness and Business Resiliency Pilot combined the concepts of water preparedness and business resiliency into an efficient and effective model for public-private partnership in critical infrastructure protection. An all-day summit explored interdependencies between the water sector and other sectors and started the dialogue needed to develop a framework for collaboration to address issues affecting water sector vulnerabilities and business resiliency. The Meeting Summary and Recommendations (348 KB, 41pp) includes participants' recommendations for improving operations, communications, and education to enhance preparedness and business resiliency.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
11/01/2008
|
Cincinnati Pilot Post-Implementation System Status
This document describes the status of the Cincinnati drinking water
contamination warning system pilot following the installation of all
monitoring and surveillance components. It provides detailed
information on enhancements in the areas of on-line water quality
monitoring, contaminant sampling and analysis, enhanced security
monitoring, consumer complaint surveillance, public health surveillance,
and consequence management.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
09/30/2008
|
Decontamination and Recovery Planning - Water and Wastewater Utility Case Study
This report documents the planning and experiences of a large combined water and wastewater utility related to decontamination and recovery. The study outlines specific planning steps that may be beneficial to other utilities in their planning and preparedness to respond to a contamination event.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
09/30/2008
|
Directions for Ordering the "Baseline Threat Information for Vulnerability Assessments of Community Water Systems" (Baseline Threat) Document
The Baseline Threat Document provides an overview of threats, methodologies, and strategies for water utilities to consider as they develop vulnerability assessments, but it is not a blueprint for developing a vulnerability assessment. Community drinking water systems that serve more than 3,300 people are eligible to receive a copy of the document by following the steps outlined in this "directions for ordering" document.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Drinking Water Laboratory Response Preparedness Project
The overall goal of the Drinking Water Laboratory Response Preparedness Project is to develop and implement Regional Laboratory Response Plans (RLRPs) for each of EPA’s 10 regions, for use in response to actual or suspected water contamination incidents. The plans will provide each region with a structure for a joint response by laboratories within the region and will provide specific direction to meet the analytical needs of an event, particularly in regards to sample brokerage and tracking, communication, coordination of analyses, and analyte-specific methods. Ultimately, these plans will be used in tests of regional preparedness and should serve to inform the development of EPA’s Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA) and the Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ERLN).
Document Type:
Homeland Security Presidential Directives
Date Published:
10/01/2008
|
Drinking Water Security for Small Systems Serving 3,300 or Fewer Persons
One of the Simple Tools for Effective Performance (STEP) Guide Series. The Water Security Division produced this booklet as voluntary water security guidance for very small community drinking water systems. The goal for this guide is to help these systems understand the basics of water system security that includes Vulnerability Assessments (VAs), Emergency Response Plans (ERPs), and practical actions
to improve system security (EPA 817-R-05-001).
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
09/01/2005
|
Drinking Water Security Poster: Report Suspicious Activity - Watch Out! Help Out! Report It! (Image of glass of water and padlock.)
Flyer to post in public areas to help educate and alert communities about water security. These 8" x 10" flyers have been made available for download in three formats (EPA 810-F-03-002).
Send an email to order this poster.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
04/01/2003
|
|
Drinking Water Security Poster: Report Suspicious Activity - Watch Out! Help Out! Report It! (Image of glass of water and police badge)
Flyer to post in public areas to help educate and alert communities about water security. These 8" x 10" flyers have been made available for download in three formats (EPA 810-F-03-004).
Send an email to order this poster.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
04/01/2003
|
|
Drinking Water Security Poster: Report Suspicious Activity - Watch Out! Help Out! Report It! (Image of glass of water and sheriff's badge)
Flyer to post in public areas to help educate and alert communities about water security. These 8" x 10" flyers have been made available for download in three formats (EPA 810-F-03-003).
Send an email to order this poster.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
04/01/2003
|
|
Drinking Water Security Poster: Report Suspicious Activity at Reservoirs, at Utilities, and at Water Mains
Flyer to post in public areas to help educate and alert communities about water security. These 8" x 10" flyers have been made available for download in three formats (EPA 810-F-03-001).Send an email to order this poster.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
04/01/2003
|
|
Drinking Water Security Video: Protection of Public Drinking Water Supplies
Security and protection of public drinking water is dependent upon owners/operators of community water systems working with local law enforcement. The video describes the general threat to drinking water supplies, summarizes the components of a typical groundwater system in Wisconsin, and asks for local law enforcement to work with their local communities to better protect public drinking water supplies. This video was developed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater, in conjunction with the Milwaukee Police Academy and the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
The DVD or video may be ordered from EPA. To receive a copy, provide the document title and number (as shown below) as well as your complete mailing and contact information. There is a limit of 25 copies total per individual.
- DVD: EPA 816-C-05-900
- VHS: EPA 816-V-05-900
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
P.O. Box 42419M
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Telephone: (800) 490-9198
ncepimal@one.net
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
02/14/2006
|
E-Train from the National Environmental Training Center for Small Communities
Quarterly newsletter from the National Environmental Training Center for Small Communities (NETCSC). To view past and present issues, visit NETCSC's Web site.
Document Type:
Newsletters
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Emergency Response Plan Guidance for Small and Medium Systems
EPA published this document for use by community water systems serving a population between 3,301 and 99,999 as they develop or revise their emergency response plans (ERPs). The document should be of considerable value to key authorities with critical roles during emergency response or remediation actions resulting from a drinking water contamination threat or incident. This document is also available in MS Word for those wishing to utilize the forms and text. Printed copies, in limited quantities, can be obtained from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) (EPA 816-R-04-002).
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
04/07/2004
|
Emergency Response Tabletop CD-ROM Exercises for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems
This CD contains exercises to help train water and wastewater utility workers in preparing and carrying-out emergency response plans. The 12 unique exercises can help strengthen relationships between a water supplier and their emergency response team and users can adapt the materials for their own needs. Trainers or users can select the threat warning from the eight basic types described in the Response Protocol Toolbox and choose from five basic event types: intentional contamination, security breach, cyber security, physical attack, and interdependency.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
03/01/2005
|
Emergency Response Tabletop Exercises CD-ROM Fact Sheet
Fact sheet announcing that EPA made available a CD product entitled Emergency Response Tabletop Exercises for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems. The tabletop exercises on the CD were developed to help train water and wastewater utility workers in the application of their
emergency response plans. The CD contains twelve unique exercises that can be created from the CD. Users are also encouraged to adapt the materials on the CD to meet their own needs and objectives (EPA 817-F-05-004).
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
06/01/2005
|
Emergency Response Tabletop Exercises for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems Train-the-Trainers Workshop Fact Sheet
EPA is making available a new CD product entitled Emergency Response Tabletop
Exercises for Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems. The tabletop exercises on this CD were
developed to help train water and wastewater utility workers in the application of their
emergency response plans. In total, twelve unique exercises can be created from the CD
from fi ve basic event types: intentional contamination, security breach, cyber security,
physical attack, and interdependency. Users are also encouraged to adapt the materials on the CD to meet their own needs and objectives (EPA 817-F-05-003).
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
05/01/2005
|
EPA's Role in Water Security Research: The Water Security Research and Technical Support Action Plan
Companion brochure to the Water Security Research and Technical Support Action Plan (Action Plan) (EPA/600/R-04/037).
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
08/01/2004
|
EPA's Strategic Plan for Homeland Security
EPA's homeland security strategy is presented in the form of goals, tactics, and results.
Document Type:
Homeland Security Presidential Directives
Date Published:
09/01/2002
|
Features of an Active and Effective Protective Program for Water and Wastewater Utilities
The water sector developed the Features of an Active and Effective Protective Program to assist owners and operators of drinking water and wastewater utilities in
preventing, detecting, responding to, and recovering from adverse effects of all hazards, including terrorist attacks and natural disasters. The 10 features
describe the basic elements of a "protective program" for owners/operators of utilities to consider as they develop utility-specific approaches.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Firms Selected to Become Trainers on the Vulnerability Assessment Methodology for Water Infrastructure Protection
Sandia National Laboratory, under an Interagency Agreement between the EPA and the Department of Energy, will provide training to selected firms in performing a vulnerability assessment methodology known as Risk Assessment Methodology for Water Utilities (RAM-WSM). The goal of the program is to provide experienced trainers, who will then offer this course nationally to consultants, water utilities, and government entities. All trainers licensed by Sandia will be required to publicly offer this training course a minimum number of times. The goal is to have high-quality vulnerability assessments conducted at drinking water and wastewater utilities.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Grants Involving Counter-Terrorism Coordination Activities by States and Territories
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information on annual grants that the Environmental Protection Agency will award for counter-terrorism coordination activities by the States and Territories under appropriations in the State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) account. The information provided in this memorandum shall apply to the disbursement and administration of these grants. If there are any future changes to this grant program to the States and Territories then a revised memorandum will be issued.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
04/04/2005
|
Instructions for Submitting Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Certification
Describes how to complete a certification, maintain your records, and express mail it in order to ensure compliance with the Bioterrorism Act.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
12/01/2004
|
Instructions to Assist Community Water Systems in Complying With the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002
These instructions describe actions required of community water systems to comply with the Bioterrorism Act, deadlines based on system size, instructions for submitting required materials to EPA, and contact information.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
01/01/2003
|
Interim Guidance on Developing an Operational Strategy for Contamination
Warning Systems
This document will assist drinking water utilities with the development
of recommended standard operating procedures for day-to-day operations
of the monitoring and surveillance components of a contamination warning
system. The guidance emphasizes development of an operational strategy
in a manner that integrates the components to provide a timely
indication of a possible contamination incident in the distribution
system. A case study of the operational strategy developed for the
Cincinnati contamination warning system pilot is presented.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
09/30/2008
|
Interim Guidance on Developing Consequence Management Plans for Drinking
Water Utilities
This document will assist drinking water utilities with the development
of plans for responding to and recovering from a contamination incident
in the distribution system. Once a possible contamination incident has
been identified by routine monitoring and surveillance components, the
consequence management plan defines a process for establishing the
credibility of the suspected incident, the response actions that may be
taken to minimize public health and economic consequences, and a
strategy to restore the system to normal operations. Example decision
tree templates and corresponding action items are provided.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
09/30/2008
|
Interstate Mutual Aid and Assistance: EMAC Tips for the Water Sector
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) provides a mechanism whereby drinking water and wastewater utilities can provide interstate (between states) mutual aid and assistance during times of emergency.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
10/01/2007
|
Large Water System Emergency Response Plan Outline: Guidance to Assist Community Water Systems in Complying with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002
This guidance was distributed during the Emergency Response Planning Workshops to aid utilities in preparing emergency response plans as required by the Bioterrorism Act. The document provides guidance that is not a requirement of the federal government; in fact, some sections might not be applicable to your system. In addition, your state might have requirements that supersede this outline. A modified document will be available for medium and small water utility systems in the near future.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
07/01/2003
|
Lateral from the Water Environment Research Foundation
This monthly email covers news, research, and events for Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) subscribers and other WERF contacts. Users can sign up to receive this newsletter by contacting dmorroni@werf.org or by visiting WERF at http://www.werf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Laterals .
Document Type:
Newsletters
Date Published:
Unknown
|
National Environmental Methods Index for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Methods (NEMI-CBR) Fact Sheet
NEMI-CBR is an extension of the National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI), a free, searchable clearinghouse of methods and procedures for both regulatory and nonregulatory monitoring purposes for water, sediments, air, and tissues. NEMI-CBR is a powerful tool that supports the contamination response capabilities of the water sector.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
09/05/2008
|
National Incident Management System
Developed by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This is the Nation's first standardized management plan that creates a unified structure for Federal, state, and local lines of government for incident response. Visit DHS's Web site [PDF - 7,600 KB - 152 pp] to view this document.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
03/01/2004
|
National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) training for the Water Sector
These training materials developed by the EPA Water Security Division will help drinking water and wastewater utilities to better understand ICS, integrate with other first responders within an expanding ICS structure, and implement NIMS concepts and principles that will help utilities provide mutual aid and assistance to one another.
Document Type:
Training
Date Published:
09/05/2008
|
National Response Plan
Developed by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It establishes a comprehensive all-hazards approach to enhance the ability of the United States to manage domestic incidents. The plan incorporates best practices and procedures from incident management disciplines--homeland security, emergency management, law enforcement, firefighting, public works, public health, responder and recovery worker health and safety, emergency medical services, and the private sector--and integrates them into a unified structure. It forms the basis of how the federal government coordinates with state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector during incidents. Visit DHS's Web site [PDF - 2,000 KB - 426 pp] to view this document.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
12/01/2004
|
National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace
Developed by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This document is an implementing component of the National Strategy for Homeland Security and is complemented by a National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets. The purpose of this document is to engage and empower Americans to secure the portions of cyberspace that they own, operate, control, or with which they interact. Securing cyberspace is a difficult strategic challenge that requires coordinated and focused effort from our entire society, the federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, and the American people. Visit the White House's Web site [PDF - 980 KB - 76 pp] to view this document.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
02/01/2003
|
Notice of FY 2005 Request for Applications for the Development and Coordination of an National Environmental Laboratory Network
This funding opportunity seeks to enhance the capacity and capability of environmental laboratories to respond to emergencies and potential terrorist attacks by 1) maximizing laboratory organization to handle a surge in environmental samples 2) developing water and general environmental laboratory methods and 3) facilitating the development/dissemination of tools to increase laboratory effectiveness.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
03/30/2005
|
Performance Verification Testing of Rapid Toxicity Monitoring and Detection Systems
This fact sheet presents the test results of EPA's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program for eight technologies that have the potential to detect the presence of contaminants in water, specifically drinking water. Rapid toxicity monitoring or detection devices are used to indirectly measure the presence of eight chemical contaminants in two different drinking water supplies. This fact sheet provides information on the approach to testing performance, test results, and sources for additional information.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Potential Contamination Due to
Cross-Connections and Backflow and the Associated Health Risks
Developed by EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. The goal of this document is to review: (1) causes of contamination through cross-connections; (2) the magnitude of risk associated with cross-connections and backflow; (3) costs of backflow contamination incidents; (4) other problems associated with backflow incidents; (5) suitable measures for preventing and correcting problems caused by cross-connections and backflow; (6) possible indicators of a backflow incident; and (7) research opportunities. To view this document, visit Safewater's Web site [PDF - 929 KB - 42 pp] to view this document.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
08/13/2002
|
Presidential Decision Directive 63: Critical Infrastructure Protection
This directive was replaced by Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 7: Critical Infrastructure Identification, Prioritization, and Protection. Visit the Federation of American Science's Web site to view the fact sheet and the White House document for this decision directive.
Document Type:
Legislation
Date Published:
05/22/1998
|
Protecting Water System Security Information
Many states have considered or have adopted amendments to their Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) legislation to make sensitive security information on drinking water systems exempt from public disclosure under a FOIA request. These states want to prevent information regarding the potential infrastructure and security vulnerabilities of a public water supply from being accessed by adversaries seeking to cause harm. To determine which states have statutory authority to protect such information from public disclosure, the National Conference of State Legislatures conducted an extensive review and published the findings.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
09/01/2003
|
Protecting Your Community's Assets: A Guide for Small Wastewater Assessments
Developed by the National Environmental Training Center for Small Communities. This guide helps utility managers, operators, and local officials improve security and plan for emergency situations affecting wastewater treatment systems. The guide is designed for those who work with systems serving less than 10,000 people, although it may also be of use to those who work in larger systems. Visit the National Environmental Training Center for Small Community's Web site and scroll down to the bottom of the page to view this document in PDF.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
11/01/2004
|
Protocol to Secure Vulnerability Assessments Submitted by Community Water Systems to EPA
This document summarizes key elements of the strict security arrangements that have been implemented to protect the vulnerability assessments community water systems submit to EPA. The protective measures for the assessments are equivalent to those conferred to Secret national security information. This information protection protocol details such factors as limits on persons allowed access to the assessments, aspects of the storage and handling of the documents, document tracking systems, and persons responsible for the security of the information.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
11/30/2002
|
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act (Bioterrorism Act)
This Act requires every community water system that serves a population of greater than 3,300 persons to:
- Conduct a vulnerability assessment.
- Certify and submit a copy of the assessment to the EPA Administrator.
- Prepare or revise an emergency response plan that incorporates the results of the vulnerability assessment.
- Certify to the EPA Administrator, within 6 months of completing the vulnerability assessment, that the system has completed or updated its emergency response plan.
Document Type:
Legislation
Date Published:
06/12/2002
|
Recommendations of the CIPAC Metrics Workgroup for Water - Final Report
This report documents the consensus recommendations of the Water Sector on national metrics that support the goals and objectives of the Sector Specific Plan and the Features of an Active and Effective Protective Program for Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
06/01/2008
|
Regional Allotments (by State and Territory) for Counter-Terrorism Coordination Grants
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide allotment and accounting information to the Regional Program Offices on grants that the Environmental Protection Agency will award for counter-terrorism coordination activities by the States and Territories.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
04/04/2005
|
Reimbursement Tips for Emergency Laboratory Support
Reimbursement Tips for Emergency Laboratory Support.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
08/31/2009
|
Response Protocol Toolbox (RPTB): Planning for and Responding to Contamination Threats to Drinking Water Systems
Interim Final Response Protocol Toolbox: Planning for and Responding to Contamination Threats to Drinking Water Systems - These modules provide emergency response planning tools that are designed to help the water sector to effectively and appropriately respond to intentional contamination threats and incidents. EPA produced the Toolbox, building on the experience and expertise of several drinking water utilities, particularly the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Organized in modular format, the Toolbox assists with emergency response preparedness and will be of value to drinking water utilities, laboratories, emergency responders, state drinking water programs, technical assistance providers and public health and law enforcement officials. Users are encouraged to review the overview before using other Modules. Please note that the Toolbox contains guidance that may be adopted voluntarily. The modules are also available in MS Word for those wishing to utilize the forms and text.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
Unknown
- Overview (EPA-817-D-03-007)
[Click here to view in PDF - 3,482 KB - 17 pp]
[Click here to view in WORD - 463 KB]
- Water Utility Planning Guide - Module 1 (EPA-817-D-03-001)
[Click here to view in PDF - 3,025 KB - 46 pp]
[Click here to view in WORD - 1,182 KB]
- Contamination Threat Management Guide - Module 2 (EPA-817-D-03-002)
[Click here to view in PDF - 3,737 KB - 96 pp]
[Click here to view in WORD - 2,559 KB]
- Site Characterization and Sampling Guide - Module 3 (EPA-817-D-03-003)
[Click here to view in PDF - 2,883 KB - 85 pp]
[Click here to view in WORD - 1,583 KB]
- Analytical Guide - Module 4 (EPA-817-D-03-004)
[Click here to view in PDF - 4,966 KB - 113 pp]
[Click here to view in WORD - 5,282 KB]
- Public Health Response Guide - Module 5 (EPA-817-D-03-005)
[Click here to view in PDF - 2,261 KB - 84 pp]
[Click here to view in WORD - 1,548 KB]
- Remediation and Recovery Guide - Module 6 (EPA-817-D-03-006)
[Click here to view in PDF - 2,258 KB - 112 pp]
[Click here to view in WORD - 1,279 KB]
|
Response Protocol Toolbox: Response Guidelines
An action oriented document to assist drinking water utilities, laboratories, emergency responders, state drinking water programs, technical assistance providers, and public health and law enforcement officials during the management of an ongoing contamination threat or incident. The Response Guidelines are not intended to replace to Response Protocol Toolbox and they do not contain the detailed information contained within the six complete modules. The Response Guidelines are to be viewed as the application of the same principles contained in the Response Protocol Toolbox during an actual incident. The Response Guidelines have been developed to provide an easy to use document for field and crisis conditions. Finally, users are encouraged to adapt the Response Guidelines as necessary to meet their own needs and objectives.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
08/01/2004
|
Safe Drinking Water Trust eBulletin from the Rural Community Assistance Program
Users must subscribe in order to receive this ebulletin from the Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP). Subscribers can do a keyword search for topics and browse archived issues. Subscribers can also receive technical assistance through the "Ask An Expert" section. Questions are answered from a technical expert in the same geographic region where the question originated. To view past and present issues, visit RCAP's Safe Drinking Water Trust Web site .
Document Type:
Newsletters
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Sampling Guidance for Unknown Contaminants in Drinking Water
The guidance is meant to assist drinking water utilities and laboratories in their sampling efforts and may also supplement a drinking water utility's emergency response plan. The document provides a comprehensive guidance that integrates pathogen, toxin, chemical, and radiochemical sample collection, preservation, and transport procedures to support multiple analytical approaches for the detection and identification of potential contaminants in drinking water.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
11/01/2008
|
Seattle-King County, Washington Community Case Study Draft Report
As a leader in promoting water sector security across the country, EPA's WSD embarked on the Seattle-King County, Washington Community Case Study project as a strategy to increase awareness about the benefits of implementing features of an active and effective security program. The purpose of the Case Study was to identify and document select examples of security practices being implemented within the Seattle-King County area that validate the Fourteen Features of an Active and Effective Security Program developed by the National Drinking Water Advisory Council's Water Security Working Group and under the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council Measures Workgroup revisions.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
11/01/2007
|
Seattle-King County, Washington Community Case Study Report Security and Preparedness Practices: A Collaborative Approach to Water Sector Resiliency
As a leader in promoting water sector security across the country, EPA's WSD embarked on the Seattle-King County, Washington Community Case Study project as a strategy to increase awareness about the benefits of implementing features of an active and effective security program. The purpose of the Case Study was to identify and document select examples of security practices being implemented within the Seattle-King County area that validate the Fourteen Features of an Active and Effective Security Programdeveloped by the National Drinking Water Advisory Council’s Water Security Working Group and under the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council Measures Workgroup revisions.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
10/01/2008
|
Security Product Guides
EPA has developed a series of individual Security Product Guides to assist water treatment plant operators and utility managers in reducing risks from, and providing protection against, possible natural disasters and intentional terrorist attacks. The guides provide information on a variety of products available to enhance physical security. A recent update provides eight new and three updated individual Security Product Guides.
A hard copy of the Security Product Guide published spring 2004 (EPA Document Number 817-B-04-001) may be ordered by calling EPA's National Service Center for Environmental Publications at (800) 490-9198 or ordering online.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Security Update from the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators
A quarterly newsletter from the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) provides security information. To view past and present issues, visit ASDWA's Web site
and scroll down to the newsletter section.
Document Type:
Newsletters
Date Published:
Unknown
|
Security Vulnerability Self-Assessment Guide for Very Small (<3,300) Systems
Developed by the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) and the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) in consultation with EPA. This document is targeted for drinking water systems serving less than 3,300 people and is designed to help these systems assess their critical components and identify security measures that should be implemented. This document is provided electronically in MS Word and PDF formats and is intended for states and trainers to use, distribute, copy, add specific contact names, and customize for the locality of each system as appropriate. The document includes an emergency contact list, a phone threat identification checklist, and states may wish to attach their model emergency response plans as well. Visit ASDWA's Web site and scroll down to the middle of the page to view this document.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
05/30/2002
|
Small System Security Train-the-Trainer Strategies and Approaches: An Overview for State Drinking Water Program Staff
The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) hosted a webcast for state drinking water program staff to learn about training and outreach activities for small system security needs. The webcast outlined how five training organizations will train trainers to work with small (3,300-50,000) community water systems. The overview and presentations are available.
Document Type:
Webcast Presentations
Date Published:
05/29/2003
|
Standardized Analytical Methods for Use During Homeland Security Events
EPA's Homeland Security Research Center, in conjunction with EPA's Laboratory and Capability Committee, has developed a list of Standardized Analytical Methods (SAM) to be used by environmental laboratories in analyzing biological and chemical samples associated with threats to homeland security. SAM provides a standard by which to measure specific types of contamination that may be associated with future terrorist attacks. Ultimately, these procedures will be vitally important in assisting state and local government laboratories that are preparing to analyze samples associated with homeland security events. A fact sheet on the SAM is also available.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
09/29/2004
|
Top Ten List for Small Ground Water Suppliers
To assist small public water suppliers with security and emergency planning, EPA Region 1 developed this list for small ground water suppliers. It includes tips to help suppliers protect their facilities from tampering or contamination incidents and to prepare for potential emergencies.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
Unknown
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Top Ten List Visor Card
A visor card version of the Top Ten List described above is available to all (EPA 817-F-03-003).
Send an email to order this card.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
12/01/2003
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Top Ten List: Water Supply Emergency Preparedness and Security for Law Enforcement
The list is also available as a poster (11" x 17") for display in local municipal facilities to help in coordinating the efforts of law enforcement, the water supply industry, and public health officials (EPA 901-H-03-002).
Send an email to order this poster.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
09/01/2003
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Twenty One Steps to Improve Cyber Security of SCADA Networks
Developed by the President's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board and the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Assurance. The Department of Energy plays a key role in protecting the critical energy infrastructure of the nation as specified in the National Strategy for Homeland Security. This document outlines 21 steps to improve cyber security of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks. The steps are divided into two categories: specific actions to improve implementation, and actions to establish essential underlying management processes and policies. Visit the Office of Energy Assurance's Web site [PDF - 2,502 KB - 10 pp] to view this document.
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
Unknown
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U.S. EPA's Homeland Security Strategy
The strategy supports the President's National Strategy for Homeland Security and the efforts undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security. The plan will serve as a blueprint for the Agency's senior leadership through FY2005, on how to enhance EPA's ability to meet its homeland security responsibilities. The activities and initiatives in the plan represent an enhancement of EPA's capabilities to detect, prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from terrorist incidents. The plan is one of many steps the Agency took in the weeks and months following September 11th to ensure the Agency's ability to fulfill its homeland security responsibilities. As the federal government continues to address the issue of protecting the nation the plan will continue to be revised and improved. Click here to view this document [PDF - 1,000 KB - 68 pp].
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
10/01/2004
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Use of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to Implement Security Measures at Public Water Systems
Ensuring adequate protection of the facilities and drinking water sources of public water systems has been an important goal of EPA's drinking water program. It is important to note that public water systems have always worked to protect facilities from vandalism and have monitored drinking water sources to assess their vulnerability to contamination. This fact sheet discusses the types of projects that might be fundable through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to help public water systems protect their facilities.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
11/01/2001
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Video: Security Vulnerability Assessment for Water Systems
EPA's Drinking Water Academy and the National Environmental Training Association have produced a video for small water systems that shows how to develop a vulnerability assessment through music and character-based scenarios. The video highlights the six basic elements common to all vulnerability assessments; and some vulnerability assessment tools available to small systems.
After viewing the video, the small water system should have a working knowledge of how to prepare a vulnerability assessment; know enough about a vulnerability assessment to ask informed questions if needing assistance from EPA Regional Offices, State Drinking Water Primacy Agencies, third party providers, or other resources that have been established to assist in preparing security vulnerability assessments; and, gain confidence in their ability to prepare and submit an assessment.
A version of the video is also available for water systems with populations under 3,300 to aid in assessment of their vulnerability. The videos are available singly or as a 2-video set from the National Environmental, Safety, and Health Training Association (NESHTA) at no cost except for shipping and handling. You can print the order form [PDF - 42 KB - 4 pp] and mail or fax it to the address on the form.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
12/01/2003
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Vulnerability Assessment Certification
This fill-and-print form certifies the completion of a vulnerability assessment. The instructions describe how to submit the form to EPA.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
Unknown
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Vulnerability Assessment Fact Sheet
This fact sheet explains vulnerability assessments, which help water systems to evaluate their susceptibility to potential threats and identify corrective actions to reduce or mitigate the risk of serious consequences from adversarial actions (e.g., vandalism, insider sabotage, terrorist attack).
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
11/01/2002
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WARN
Poster – Mutual Aid and Assistance in the Water Sector PDF
This Poster describes mutual aid
and assistance in the water sector, how and why it works, who supports
it, and where to find additional resources. The poster can also be
printed for display (up to 4’ X 6’), or as a handout (8.5 X 11), at
conferences and other events.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
03/31/2009
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Wastewater Emergency Response Plan Guidance Document
Published by the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF). This tool assists wastewater systems in preparing their emergency response plans (ERPs). It is intended to help wastewater systems to organize their planning efforts, and to provide a reference for the types of information and data that should be included in an emergency response plan. A limited number of hard copies will be available from WERF on a first come first serve basis by calling 703-684-2470. Visit WERF to view this document.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
10/15/2004
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Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) update Fact Sheet
The Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) is a secure, online database developed by the U.S. EPA that provides information on contaminants of concern for water security. As a planning tool, WCIT can be used to help create and update emergency response plans and site-specific response guidelines. As a response tool, WCIT can be used to provide real-time data on water contaminants to help utilities make decisions if contamination occurs.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
02/01/2007
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Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC)
This four-page flyer for drinking water and wastewater utility managers describes the Web-based Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC), a secure information system that allows sharing of up-to-date information between the intelligence community and the water sector. Click here to order this flyer .
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
Unknown
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Water Laboratory Alliance
The purpose of the WLA is to provide the drinking water sector with an integrated nationwide network of laboratories with the analytical capabilities and capacity to support monitoring and surveillance, response, and remediation to intentional and unintentional drinking water supply contamination events involving chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants.
Document Type:
Homeland Security Presidential Directives
Date Published:
10/01/2008
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Water Sector Mutual Aid and Assistance: Utilities Helping Utilities
This fact sheet discusses the mission of Water Sector Mutual Aid and Assistance (WARN) and provides further information to expedite access to specialized resources needed to respond to and recovery from natural and human caused events that disrupt public and private drinking water and wastewater utilities.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
10/01/2007
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Water Sector National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation Objectives
Reimbursement Tips for Emergency Laboratory Support (EPA 817-F-09-003)
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
03/31/2009
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Water Sector Security Workshops
During 2005, the Water Environment Federation in collaboration with EPA hosted three water sector security workshops involving drinking water as well as wastewater utility operators and other key stakeholders. The purpose of the workshops was to discuss water sector security issues in order to better gauge the current status of water security, outline common challenges, and identify what is most needed to better protect the nation¿s water infrastructure. Visit ORD's website to view these workshop reports.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
06/13/2006
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Water Sector-Specific Plan (SSP)
The Water SSP is a broad-based Water Sector critical infrastructure protection implementation strategy developed under the Department of Homeland Security's National Infrastructure Protection Plan and was produced by EPA in coordination with Water Sector security partners which includes our Water Sector Coordinating Council (SCC) and Government Coordinating Council (GCC). The Water SSP includes information on goals, identifying assets, assessing risk, prioritizing infrastructure, developing and implementing protective programs, measuring progress, research and development, and SSA responsibilities.
Document Type:
Homeland Security Presidential Directives
Date Published:
05/01/2007
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Water Security and You
This drop-in article for local news media defines suspicious activity and provides examples.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
Unknown
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Water Security Handbook: Planning for and Responding to Drinking Water Contamination Threats and Incidents
EPA prepared this simplified handbook for water utilities as an overview of EPA's comprehensive Response Protocol Toolbox: Planning for and Responding to Contamination Threats to Drinking Water Systems from the perspective of a water system manager. The Handbook describes how to recognize intentional water contamination threats and incidents, what actions a utility should take in the event of a threat or incident, possible roles of the water utility within the larger Incident Command framework, and how the National Incident Management System is organized. It also describes the utility's actions and decisions during site characterization, laboratory analysis, public health response, remediation and recovery. The Handbook is intended to be a companion to the Response Protocol Toolbox: Response Guidelines. It will also be helpful to utilities that are preparing or updating their emergency response plans.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
05/26/2006
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Water Security Initiative Contamination Warning System Demonstration Pilots (Revised)
EPA is requesting applications for drinking water contamination warning system demonstration pilots as part of the Agency's Water Security (WS) initiative. Applications for contamination warning system pilot projects must address specified monitoring and surveillance components, a consequence management plan, and a review and evaluation plan. EPA anticipates awarding up to four cooperative agreements for these demonstration pilots. The federal portion for each cooperative agreement is anticipated to range between $3 million and $12 million. A minimum 20 percent cost-share/match of the total project cost is required for these demonstration pilots. Applications will be accepted only from local governments or institutions (either public or private nonprofit organizations) that operate community water systems serving at least 750,000 people.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
08/17/2007
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Water Security Initiative Quick Reference Guide
Guidance describing the three phases of the Water Security Initiative.
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
04/01/2008
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Water Security Progress and Resources
This four-page flyer highlights the achievements and ongoing projects of EPA's Water Security Division and its partners (EPA 817-F-03-001).
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
10/01/2003
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Water Security Research and Technical Support Action Plan (Action Plan)
EPA's Office of Research and Development and Office of Water developed the Action Plan which was peer reviewed by the National Research Council. This publication presents results of collaborative efforts between EPA and other government agencies, the water industry, public health organizations, and the emergency response community to identify critical research and technical support needs for protecting drinking and wastewater infrastructures. The Action Plan identifies projects in the areas of physical and cyber infrastructure protection; contaminant identification; monitoring and analysis; treatment, decontamination, and disposal; contingency planning; infrastructure interdependencies; and risk assessment and communication. It provides a snapshot in time. Revisions to the Action Plan will be made periodically based on input from others dealing with drinking water and wastewater security (EPA-600/R-04/063).
Document Type:
Reports and Studies
Date Published:
03/01/2004
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Water Security Scan from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies
The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) publishes a bimonthly newsletter that provides water security information. To view past and present issues, visit AMWA's Water Security Scan Web site .
Document Type:
Newsletters
Date Published:
Unknown
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Water Watchers: We're All in This Together
This brochure for residents describes how they can help local authorities protect the water utilities in their communities (EPA 810-F-03-006).
Send an email to order this brochure.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
09/01/2003
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Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) Tabletop Exercise Facilitator Guide
This guide provides instructions for planning, organizing and conducting a tabletop exercise and includes sample exercise materials such as scenarios (flood, hurricane, and earthquake), discussion questions, and presentation slides. Tabletop exercises will allow WARNs to practice and exercise their mutual aid/assistance operational plan or other procedures so that requesting and responding utilities have a better understanding of how to implement their WARN agreement. By practicing the functionality and operations of activating the agreement, a WARN will respond more effectively and efficiently during an actual incident.
Document Type:
Training
Date Published:
09/05/2008
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WaterHealthConnection.org: Website for Health Care Providers on Water Terrorism Preparedness
This flyer describes a new Web site offering resources to better recognize and diagnose waterborne illnesses related to water terrorism (EPA 817-F-03-002).
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
10/01/2003
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WaterSentinel Initiative Fact Sheet
As a part of the President's proposed Fiscal Year 2006 budget, EPA is launching the WaterSentinel Initiative, a demonstration project to design, deploy, and evaluate a model contamination warning system for drinking water security. The project, which is being developed in partnership with a utility and laboratories, responds to a Homeland Security Presidential Directive that charges EPA to develop surveillance and monitoring systems to provide early detection of water contamination.
Document Type:
Outreach Materials
Date Published:
06/13/2005
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WaterSentinel Consequence Management Strategy
A robust and tested consequence management plan is a critical element of WaterSentinel that will be in place prior to the initiation of monitoring and surveillance activities at the WaterSentinel pilot utility. This document describes the strategy for development of a consequence management plan as part of the WaterSentinel pilot (EPA 817-D-05-004).
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
12/12/2005
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WaterSentinel Online Water Quality Monitoring as an Indicator of Drinking Water Contamination
Utilizing online water quality monitoring as an indicator of drinking water contamination will be an integral part of the WaterSentinel system architecture. Online monitoring will enable water utilities to detect potential contamination quickly and launch an appropriate response. Future work of online monitoring of radionuclides, a broader range of chemical and biological agents, and the use of event detection software will improve detection as the WaterSentinel Contamination Warning System evolves (EPA 817-D-05-002).
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
12/12/2005
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WaterSentinel System Architecture
This document, which refers to the Water Security Initiative by its
previous name, WaterSentinel, provides more detail on WS contamination
warning systems components and design (EPA 817-D-05-003).
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
12/12/2005
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WaterSentinel: Overview of Event Detection Systems
As part of an effective Contaminant Warning System, a method for event detection must be developed such that it can quickly recognize true contamination incidents while minimizing the occurrence of false positives. An effective event detection system, coupled with the other components of the WaterSentinel Contaminant Warning System, will contribute to the Contaminant Warning System goal of reliable and timely detection of contamination to protect public health and water system infrastructure (EPA 817-D-05-001).
Document Type:
Guidance
Date Published:
12/12/2005
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Webcast: Security Risk Assessment for Drinking Water Utilities
The American Water Works Association Research Foundation presented this webcast/teleconference in cooperation with the American Water Works Association and Sandia National Laboratories. The webcast addressed numerous concerns and possible solutions to help water utilities improve security. Topics discussed were key security design principles, available security technologies, a methodology for security risk assessment at water utilities, and the process of selecting security consultants. Click here to watch the webcast . Videotapes of the teleconference are available from AWWA.
Document Type:
Webcast Presentations
Date Published:
Unknown
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