Vulnerability of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure and Its Protection from Acts of Terrorism: A Business Perspective

Abstract

Water and wastewater infrastructure, which is considered essential for contemporary human existence, has been subject to attacks and threats since ancient times. Recorded history indicates that the vulnerability of this infrastructure is a result of threats from both natural disasters and human intervention such as terrorist attacks. Subsequent to the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in New York in 2001, some countries have introduced new legislation and systems to ensure adequate protection to water and wastewater infrastructure. From a business perspective, a unique approach to mitigate levels of threat is to introduce practical strategies to control risk. This is achieved with consideration of the concept of crisis leadership and crisis control. Additionally, these strategies include emergency and business continuity which are required to be effectively managed across water agencies. This methodology is illustrated with regularly practicing plans and procedures in the form of scripted crisis exercises. There are four major types of exercises which display processes, roles, and responsibilities with an accent on planning and documentation. Water and wastewater agencies which adopt these strategies will survive and produce a resilient organization. This chapter provides an overview of a preparedness and recovery framework suitable for water industries worldwide.