Water security and its importance in protecting public health

The need for access to clean, healthy water is a subject that surrounds the world. The United States is fortunate to have the latest technology for access to water and treatment of water; however, one subject that hits at the heart of the nation is water security. A breach in the water systems in the U.S. would cause direct public harm because the population relies on water to sustain life. Protecting potable water systems is necessary because of natural disasters, but it has gained importance since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S. Threats on the water systems from intentional attacks cause high risk in affecting public health. Water Security is an area of defense that has recently been evolving and research in this subject has increased. Detection methods are of high importance in protecting from contamination. This thesis determines the most detrimental contaminants; discusses the importance of detection methods, sensor networks, and Contamination Warning Systems (CWS); provides prevention and detection devices currently available; and explains in depth the threats, prevention, detection, response, and rehabilitation associated with water contamination events. NOTE: Both archival copies of the manuscript were missing pages 208-210