What Should We Do About the Threat of Bioterrorism?

This month's question concerns the threat of bioterrorism to small water systems on a limited budget. The elements of a biological‐chemical early‐warning system are listed in the article, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hierarchy of laboratories designated to respond to suspected bioterrorist events. The article states that utilities are advised to increase their physical security, become familiar with the operational parameters of their water intake and distribution systems, install conventional monitoring technologies (pressure, residual disinfectant levels, pH), and gather operating data that will assist operators in determining whether unusual conditions are present. Installing a fish assay system is discussed, along with instructions for dealing with a radiological threat.