Don't drink the water

Nov. 22, 2006
Water utilities, by design, are vulnerable to contamination, either accidental or intentional

Don’t drink the water

Bill Hart, project lead for the Sandia team that developed water-system software, does some field checking in the Albuquerque foothills.

. Now, a prototype system from Sandia National Laboratories uses software tools to simulate threats and identify vulnerabilities in drinking-water systems, measure potential public health impacts, and evaluate mitigation and response strategies. It’s all part of the EPA’s Threat Ensemble Vulnerability Assessment program to counter threats against water utilities.

The software’s event-detection methods and sensor simulator mimic the qualities of affordable, off-the-shelf sensors commonly used by water utilities to monitor water quality. “Careful adaptation of classical algorithms solves sensor placement problems on networks 100 larger than those previously cited in the water security literature,’ says Sandia Researcher, Jon Berry. Once operational, the system will pinpoint a contamination source, track movement of contaminants, and alert operators when to sound the “all clear.”

Sponsored Recommendations

Altech's Liquid Tight Strain Relifs Catalog

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

Industrial Straight-Through Cable Gland

March 13, 2024
Learn more about Altech's cable glands and all they have to offer for your needs!

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Smooth Sorting with SEW-EURODRIVE!

Feb. 22, 2024
Sorting systems are essential when it comes to warehouse automation, material handling, and distribution. SEW-EURODRIVE’s automated sorting solutions increase capacity, reliability...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!