Full Description

Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the world has become adifferent place. More attention than ever is being paid to thenation's vulnerabilities, and this has prompted officials at alllevels to examine the tools available for ensuring the security ofpublic utilities. The recent emphasis on making sure that publicwater supplies are safe has created the need for continuousmonitoring systems and analytical techniques that can be used atthe utility level to test for a variety of toxic materials in a shortamount of time.States and colleagues provide a survey of continuous monitoringand analytical methods currently available to utilities forsecurity purposes. This survey grew out of an investigation thePittsburgh (Pa.) Water discussions withpersonnel from various water utilities, water industry organizations,and regulatory agencies; and evaluation of several commerciallyavailable monitoring and analytical systems. Thearticle also takes a look at the analytical measures PWSA usesto screen for possible contamination in response to threats orsuspected tampering with its water system as well as duringtimes of heightened security. Although these methods arelimited and their results should be interpreted with caution,there are some techniques, such as acute toxicity testing, thatcan be useful. Includes 17 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition: Vol. 95 - No. 4 Published: 04/01/2003 Number of Pages: 13 File Size: 1 file , 150 KB