Potable Water CBR Contamination and Countermeasures
Abstract
This paper provides information on the potential threat to a building's domestic and potable water supplies from chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) agents that could potentially be used by terrorists, wartime or terrorist attacks, or accidental or intentional (sabotage) toxic industrial chemical release. The consequences of a CBR terrorist attack or industrial release are assumed to be short in duration, lasting only a few hours. However, decontaminating a distribution system may take several days for chemical and biological (CB) agents. Radioactive material releases that contaminate a water distribution system would make the distribution system unusable for months or years. This paper provides design measures that can be used to provide protection based on the threat type and severity level from a minimum through high level of protection. Emphasis is placed on assessing potential CBR agent release tactics, identifying vulnerable locations in a water supply system where CBR agents might be released, and countermeasures to protect against a CBR threat. Water systems supplying buildings can become contaminated at any one of three stages: (1) at the source (e.g., well fields/production wells, reservoirs, lakes and rivers, or water treatment plants); (2) in distribution lines and loops (on- and off-base) feeding buildings; or (3) in a building's system of pipes, pressure tanks, holding tanks or water softener treatment system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA444654
Entities
People
- Ernest Lory
- Sondra Cooper
- Stephen Cannon
- Vicki Vanblaricum
- Vincent Hock
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center