Office of Drinking Water Quality

Water System Security

Addressing Water Security

Completing a Vulnerability Assessment (VA) is not the end of a utility’s water security efforts. As required by the Bioterrorism Act of 2002, an emergency response plan needs to be developed or updated which incorporates the results of a water system’s vulnerability assessment. More information on how a water system can proceed with this step can be found under Emergency Preparedness.

A water utility may choose to implement various measures to improve the security of their system as part of their effort in addressing the findings of their VA. Although the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 does not require this step, the Office of Drinking Water Quality strongly encourages utilities to address and improve the security of their system.

Financial Assistance through DWSRF

• Drinking Water State Revolving Fund ( DWSRF)– Financial assistance to implement certain security measures is available through the DWSRF program in the Office of Drinking Water Quality. See this Fact Sheet for more information on which security measures are eligible under the DWSRF program.
• Additional Grant and Funding Information relating to Water Security

Additional Information on Implementing and Improving Security

• Checklist of General Security Practices [PDF]
• Top Ten List For Small Ground Water Suppliers [PDF]
• EPA Water and Wastewater Security Product Guide
• Security Industry Buyer’s Guide
• EPA Outreach Materials

WaterISAC

• EPA Water Security Section: Security Enhancements, Research and Technology

Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Rhode Island Department of Health