Rural Water - Quarter 3, 2008 - (Page 29)

While the law only applies to systems that serve a population in excess of 3,300, NRWA recommends that all water systems complete the assessment and the emergency response plan as a key component to their overall security system. In the words of Ed Thomas, “regardless of what is required by the law, it is good business and sound management to conduct an assessment and have in place an emergency response plan.” (Quality on Tap!, Texas Rural Water Association, September/October 2003). Additionally, preparing a vulnerability assessment and emergency response plan is an eligibility requirement for USDA RD grant and loan money. According to the EPA’s Vulnerability Assessment Fact Sheet, an effective vulnerability assessment should contain the following six elements: 1. Characterization of the water system, including its mission and objectives. This section provides a general inventory of the system that includes the primary customer base and the objective of service. Customers such as hospitals or power plants, schools and nursing homes along with the assets, facilities and processes that are critical to uninterrupted service require special consideration. 2. Identification and prioritization of adverse consequences to avoid. This section asks the hypothetical question, “What if?” Where the previous section identified key vulnerabilities, this section evaluates the impact of service interruption or contamination. This evaluation should include both shortterm and long-term consequences. 3. Determination of critical assets that might be subject to malevolent acts that could result in undesired consequences. Malevolent acts can arise from a variety of sources. Though the Bioterrorism Act focuses on terrorism, vandals or disgruntled employees are also potential sources of intentional service interruption. In determining the assets, facilities and processes that are most likely to be targeted, it is important to consider the many types of adversaries a utility might encounter. 4. Assessment of the likelihood of such malevolent acts from adversaries. Utilities may find it helpful to consult local law enforcement or the FBI when trying to determine the likelihood of any specific event that would jeopardize service. Additionally, systems serving a population of 3,300 or more can obtain the guidance document “Baseline Threat Information for Vulnerability Assessments of Community Water Systems” from the EPA. Because of the sensitive nature of the information in this document, utilities must contact their EPA regional representative to obtain a copy. 5. Evaluation of existing countermeasures. This section takes into account a utility’s current security system. Intrusion deterrents such as fences and alarms along with security policies and procedures should be evaluated for effectiveness and relevance in order to assure that critical assets are protected. 6. Analysis of current risk and development of a prioritized plan for risk reduction. This section evaluates the utility’s current risk level and analyzes methods to reduce vulnerability and minimize the impact of malevolent acts. Strategies for risk reduction may include security training for personnel, identification of alternative sources of water, and community education programs. The primary goal of a vulnerability assessment is risk reduction. A well-constructed assessment not only identifies risks to the system but also identifies strategies for minimizing or eliminating risks where possible. While it is impossible to eliminate risk entirely, the vulnerability assessment is an important tool in determining an acceptable level of risk for any utility. Though vulnerability assessments were designed to address potential threats from terrorism or other malicious acts such as vandalism, they are also useful in defining risks associated with human error, accidents and natural disasters. In recent weeks we have witnessed devastating floods in the Midwest while much of the southwestern United States prepares for record temperatures and drought conditions. These regions are illustrative of the fact that no utility is insulated from the threat of natural disaster. The process of identifying critical infrastructure and customers is an essential component in determining how to mitigate the impact of service interruption or contamination, regardless of the source of disruption. Many systems may qualify for free, on-site assistance under the federal circuit rider program, administered by NRWA. Contact your state’s affiliate organization to find out what assistance is available for your utility. Additionally, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has published a self-assessment for small water systems that includes recommendations for completing an emergency response plan. This document is available on the Web at www.tceq.state.tx.us/comm_ exec/self_assess.html. Though this document was developed for Texas utilities, it is a powerful tool and relevant for all states. Regardless of the size, location or unique needs of your utility, there are tools available to aid in the completion of these documents, many of them at little or no cost. With beneﬁts like increased access to USDA RD funding and increased protection for your customer base, it simply makes sense for every system to add a vulnerability assessment and an emergency response plan to their security system. About the author: Emily Barclay is assistant to the executive director for TRWA and a graduate of the University of Texas. Published with permission of Texas Rural Water Association. Third Quarter 2008 • 29 http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/comm_exec/self_assess.html http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/comm_exec/self_assess.html

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Rural Water - Quarter 3, 2008

Rural Water - Quarter 3, 2008 Contents From the President From Hypo to Gas - A Forward Leap If You Lose All Your Data Today... Would You Still Be in Business Tomorrow? Weaving the Wireless Web Rural Water and the Farm Bill Ensuring Your Water System's Security Guarding Against Becoming a Victim of Fraud 10 Ways to Improve Utility Efficiency New Technology Making a Difference By Being Involved Regulatory Update Source Water Protection Corner Throwing My Loop Cub Scouts Visit Alliance of Indiana Rural Water's Spring Conference Advertisers.com Index to Advertisers From the CEO

Rural Water - Quarter 3, 2008

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