Open AccessWater Security Research and Policy: EPA's Water Security Research and Technical Support Action Plan
Author(s) -
Herrmann Jonathan G.,
DEE P.E.,
Robiou Grace M.,
H. M.P.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of contemporary water research and education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1936-704X
pISSN - 1936-7031
DOI - 10.1111/j.1936-704x.2004.mp129001002.x
Subject(s) - homeland security , preparedness , water security , national security , action plan , political science , environmental research , public administration , computer security , library science , water resources , management , terrorism , environmental planning , law , geography , computer science , ecology , economics , biology
Water—every drop of it—is a precious natural resource that Americans once enjoyed with little thought to potential tampering by terrorists or others. Today, however, U. S. citizens are increasingly aware of threats of harm to our homeland. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the delivery of anthraxcontaminated letters later that year have taught all of us to anticipate threats to our waters. Terrorist threats are targeted not just at individuals, but also at the country’s vital institutions and infrastructure, including the nation’s drinking water and wastewater systems. Government, water utilities, state and local water agencies, public health organizations, emergency and follow-up responders, and academia, as well as the private sector from across the country must be ready to protect water infrastructure. These organizations are working together to reduce vulnerabilities to terrorism, prevent and prepare for terrorist attacks, minimize public health impacts and infrastructure damage, and enhance recovery from any attacks that may occur. In 2002, the Administration developed a road map for securing the homeland—The National Strategy for Homeland Security 1 —which lays out specific objectives for border and transportation security, emergency preparedness and response, protecting critical infrastructure, domestic counterterrorism, defending against catastrophic threats, and intelligence and warning. This road map designates the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead federal agency for protecting critical drinking water and wastewater treatment and distribution system infrastructure.