Terrorism and Security Issues Facing the Water Infrastructure Sector

Damage to or destruction of the nations water supply and water quality infrastructure by terrorist attack could disrupt the delivery of vital human services in this country, threatening public health and the environment, or possibly causing loss of life. Interest in such problems has increased greatly since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon. Across the country, water infrastructure systems extend over vast areas, and ownership and operational responsibility are both public and private but are overwhelmingly non-federal. Since the attacks, federal dam operators and water and wastewater utilities have been under heightened security conditions and are evaluating security plans and measures. There are no federal standards or agreed-upon industry best practices within the water infrastructure sector to govern readiness, response to security incidents, and recovery. Efforts to develop protocols and tools are ongoing since the 2001 terrorist attacks. This report presents an overview of this large and diverse sector, describes security-related actions by the government and private sector since September 11, and discusses additional policy issues and responses, including congressional interest. Policy makers are considering a number of initiatives, including enhanced physical security, better communication and coordination, and research. A key issue is how additional protections and resources directed at public and private sector priorities will be funded. In response, Congress has provided 548 million in appropriations for security at water infrastructure facilities since FY2002 and passed a bill requiring drinking water utilities to conduct security vulnerability assessments P.L. 107-188. When Congress created the Department of Homeland Security DHS in 2002 P.L. 107-297, it gave DHS responsibilities to coordinate information to secure the nations critical infrastructure, including the water sector.