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I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Overview of workshop On October 11-12,2001 experts in security of water systems gathered at CSU to exchange lessons learned from recent disasters and security incidents. The event was organized by the Department of Civil Engineering and sponsored by the A WW A Research Foundation, the think tank of the water supply industry. With the workshop occurring one month after September II, 2001, concern about security was high. Workshop presentations pointed to promising developments that can help utilities survive all kinds of disasters, including terrorism. Earthquakes such as the 1994 Northridge, California quake and the 1995 Kobe, Japan quake caused tremendous damage to water systems, and threatened the ability of critical facilities, such as hospitals, to continue service. Flood events such as the 1993 and 1997 Midwestern floods inundated water treatment plants and left entire communities without water service for weeks. More recently, Hurricane Floyd, which hit in 1999, knocked out water service in towns such as Portsmouth, Virginia and Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The participants compiled lessons learned from past disasters and recommendations to help water utilities prepare for future disasters. Uppermost in their minds were potential security events that include bioterrorism, cyber attacks, and chemical warfare against water systems. These new threats are of concern to water system managers, and require new rules and procedures. They reported that water systems are secure against most attacks, but continued vigilance and preparation are needed. The public can take comfort in the many measures being taken to protect water systems against human--{:aused threats, including terrorism. While it will never be possible to protect every aspect of water systems, greater security is being provided for reservoirs, treatment plants, and distribution systems. All-in-all, the United States' water systems are well-prepared against disasters, and taking steps to improve their readiness for future and unexpected events. Topics discussed included: Research about avoiding negative outcomes from emergency events Vulnerability assessments of utilities and lifelines Utility experiences in earthquakes Flood impacts on utilities Seismic upgrades and level-of-service planning for post earthquake performance Utility experiences in floods and hurricanes Standardized mutual aid responses No adverse impact flood plain recommendations Organization of emergency management programs Preparing for terrorism and other security concerns Bioterrorism planning