On June 12, 2002 the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism and Response Act (H.R. 3448) was passed by the federal government which requires that all community public water systems serving 3,300 people or more conduct a vulnerability assessment and prepare or revise, where necessary, an emergency response plan that incorporates the results of the vulnerability assessment.
The vulnerability assessments only needed to be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (see instructions below or go to http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/). You are not required to submit a vulnerability assessment to DES. The VA contains information that should be kept in a secure location. It is recommended that systems do not send VA information to DES with their EP. It is also recommended that systems update their VA periodically. Even if a system is not required to do so, they should complete a VA. Not only does the VA provide beneficial information but grant funds may be available in the future for hardware projects which can be justified from the VA.
- Condensed Version: EPA Instructions to Assist Community Water Systems with Complying with the Bioterrorism Act of 2002
- EPA Emergency Plan Certification Form
- EPA Instructions to Assist Community Water Systems with Complying with the Bioterrorism Act of 2002
- EPA Vulnerability Assessment Certification Form
Documents and Tools
- VSAT risk assessment software tool for water, wastewater, and combined utilities of all sizes.
This tool assists drinking water and wastewater owners and operators in performing security threats and natural hazards risk assessments, as well as updating utility Emergency Response Plans. - H.R. 3448 Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act-Title IV-Drinking Water Security and Safety
- Vulnerability Assessment Guide for Systems Serving Less than 3,300 people
- Vulnerability Assessment Guide for Systems Serving 10,000-3,300 people
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