Water Security Assessments for the National Homeland Security Research Center

With Homeland Security a major concern since September 11, 2001, one of the most vulnerable areas identified by the National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) is ensuring

“The water supplied to U.S. communities is potentially vulnerable to terrorist attacks by insertion of biological agents, chemical agents, or toxins. The possibility of attack is of considerable concern . . . these agents could be a threat if they were inserted at critical points in the system; theoretically, they could cause a large number of casualties.” The President’s Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office

the safety of our water. The safety of our household water resources has become a major priority for the NHSRC, a division of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).

Realizing the importance of safeguarding our water, Battelle has devoted significant resources toward research to help detect, prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from contamination in the event of chemical and biological attacks on our water infrastructure. Battelle has had extensive experience in successfully completing projects in these areas for clients including the U.S. EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security.

Battelle currently is involved in at least four such water security projects for the NHSRC: (1) inactivation, disinfection, and removal of human pathogens from water; (2) determining the possibility of intentional contamination; (3) determining the effect of regular household activities (boiling or showering) as a vehicle for dispersing harmful agents; and (4) conducting chemical and biological decontamination of water distribution systems. The primary objectives of these studies are to determine ways to protect and decontaminate the nation’s water supplies from chemical and biological attack and to prevent human exposure wherever possible.

Studies focus on inactivation and disinfection by a number of physical and chemical processes, and understanding fate, transport, and risk associated with water-borne chemicals and pathogens. Exposure to aerosolized contaminants by showering or boiling can cause exposure by inhalation and absorption through the skin, and therefore, studies are undertaken to determine the possiblity of dispersing contaminants. A bench-scale study is being conducted to provide information to set new standards for materials and decontamination methodologies for safer water distribution systems.

Results of the ongoing projects will be used by the NHSRC to develop an early-warning system for high-impact contamination events in source water or distribution systems in time to allow an effective local response. The information will be used to develop preventive measures, to treat water if it becomes infected, and to help dispose of contaminated water after treatment.

For more information on Battelle’s NHSRC water assessments, contact Dr. Sandip Chattopadhyay at (614) 424-3661, chattopadhyays@battelle.org.