AWWA JAW69183

The authors describe a decision framework for selecting sensor monitoring locations for a contamination warning system. Using the threat ensemble vulnerability assessment and sensor placement optimization tool (TEVA-SPOT) to determine sensor placement, a utility can eliminate the guessing game of where to best locate sensors. Specifically, sensor locations can be selected to protect against various contamination threats and optimize the security objectives important to the utility while at the same time restricting possible monitoring locations to a set of locations identified as feasible by the water utility. To implement TEVA-SPOT successfully, utilities will need to have an accurate and up-to-date hydraulic and quality network model and be willing to commit personnel to investigate potential sensor locations. By following the approach detailed in this article, water utilities can gain an understanding of contamination incidents' potential effects on public health and utility infrastructure as well as insight into the ways a contamination warning system can mitigate these effects. Includes 32 references, tables, figures.