AWWA WQTC62410

Since September 11, 2001 the awareness for the need to solidify the security of the nation's infrastructure has been heightened. This infrastructure included the protection of drinking water sources from contamination and terrorist threats. Washington, DC's water supply and distribution system, like much of the infrastructure in the city, was considered a high priority of protection and the water authority has received a vast amount of equipment and training to assist in this program. This paper discusses some of the District of Columbia's water security and emergency management structure, as well as the Authority's preparation and operations prior to and during high profile events. Topics covered include: Regional Incident Communication and Coordination System (RICCS); water quality monitoring; District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DCWASA) Routine Operations; and, DCWASA's role in the 2005 presidential inauguration.