| dc.description.abstract | National security has become a growing concern since the terrorist attacks on the United States in September of 2001. A safe public drinking water supply has undoubtedly always been considered a priority nationwide. Now, more than ever, national security is merging with safe drinking water creating a need for increased awareness, better technology and new kinds of training. This merger has also spawned a new market in the engineering and technology industry.The process by which this country's water infrastructure is designed, constructed and managed is changing. More fencing, better alarm systems and high-tech cameras will be a part of this change in thinking. These physical security features may be considered the "hard outer shell" that secure a water supply system from intrusion and malevolent threats. However, once a fence is cut or a camera breaks down, it will be the "soft insides" of the system that are left to defend critical infrastructure. The "soft insides" include management of policies, procedures and people that are relied upon for effective security of facilities and operations within the overall system. Practically allocating resources to the correct places at specific water infrastructure will help to meet security goals.The challenge for the future is to refine security measures at water systems without waiting to learn from future terrorist acts. | |
