System Security: How Is Yours?

By David Cole

We have been hearing about security every time we turn around, and rightfully so. We all remember the events of 9/11 and always will. Therefore, we need to address our systems security, but to what extent? As I travel around, many operators tell me they don't believe they would ever be a target. Hopefully they never will be, but we need to be prepared that the possibility exists. I would suggest that you start by building a security mind set. Understand what the possible threats are, and then identify your vulnerabilities.With all the "hats" many of you wear, you don't really need another one. But you can easily make security part of your daily routine. You all have duties and other things that you do on a daily basis. Some of you follow the same daily routine almost to the minute! Let's find a place in that routine for security. It doesn't have to be a terrorist who disrupts or sabotages your system, it could be a disgruntled resident, ex-employee, or even vandals. We've all had to deal with them at one time or another. The possible contamination of your water system should be your first concern. For security reasons, I won't elaborate on how that could be done. Hopefully, by now you can identify the possible ways someone can sabotage your system.One other possible threat would be the destruction of your system infrastructure. That could consist of dams, tanks, reservoirs, and even your pump stations. Other possibilities could be your intakes and power stations. Your treatment plants are always locked and lighted at night, along with being monitored very closely. That's why they shouldn't be a target, but still need to be looked at. Spend some time and identify your vulnerabilities. Your distribution system is a source of vulnerability, with your fire hydrants the most obvious, and you should address your institutional exposures as well. Ask yourself, who has keys to the facilities? Do your delivery companies have keys? How about the firemen, other village or town employees? What about ex-employees? Changing all the locks could be a simple, cost effective way to eliminate this exposure.I suggest utilizing a vulnerability assessment. You can obtain one from your local health department or through NYRWA. They can be completed without much effort or expense and are a great tool to help you identify any areas that need to be addressed. The New York State Department of Health has created a security program and presentation. It makes recommendations and covers all aspects of system security. The program is very thorough and many systems have had an opportunity to view it through their local health department. The question I get asked all the time is, "who is going to pay for all of these security measures?" Please keep in mind that the program is geared towards the larger systems around the state. They would appear to be a more likely target and usually have more to protect. That in no way implies that they are any more important than the small systems. Some of the suggested precautions aren't economically feasible for the smaller systems. In some cases, even the large systems can't believe the costs of protection. That is an issue that remains to be addressed. There are several ideas floating around about funding these measures. The price of safety shouldn't be the main priority; safety itself should be the issue.There are avenues you can take, with minimal costs, to protect your system. Adding and/or replacing locks, repair and upgrade fencing, improve lighting and control vehicle access. Also, update your emergency response plan. Revise your existing plan to include these updates and add phone numbers to help eliminate these possible vulnerabilities. I just visited a system where we were discussing their security measures. The operator told me that every time someone drives down the road to the reservoir, one of the neighbors calls him, no matter when it is. For rural water systems, that in my book, is still the best security available. The residents of your town or village should be aware of who is around your drinking water system and who shouldn't be. Together, you can keep your system safe and provide Quality on Tap for many years to come. Call us if we can be of assistance.