Wastewater_Content Page_Security Measures

Security Measures

Vulnerability Assessments help identify and prioritize the best security measures for each wastewater system.

Physical wastewater security measures include:

  • barriers, fencing and gates;
  • security lighting;
  • re-keying doors and locks;
  • motion detectors, alarms or cameras;
  • smoke and chemical detection systems;
  • emergency backup generators;
  • locking manhole covers in critical areas;
  • secured lift stations;
  • personal safety equipment; and
  • computer firewalls.

Security measures can also be administrative procedures or planning activities such as:

  • evaluating Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for cyber attack vulnerability;
  • protecting computer access;
  • securing the storage and backup of key records and data;
  • using incident reporting logs or forms;
  • developing a chain of custody procedure for chemical deliveries;
  • performing background checks on employees; and
  • preparing an emergency response plan.

The brochure 15 Ways to Secure Your Municipal Wastewater Treatment Construction Project [PDF] contains information on security measures to use during the construction phase of wastewater treatment projects.

Read Clean Water Fund Program Eligibility for Security Equipment for information on the types of security equipment that are eligible for loans through the DNR Clean Water Fund Program.

The U.S. EPA's Water Security page [exit DNR] includes a Security Product Guide with information on costs and sources of security equipment. The guide includes information on:

  • acquisition, communication and integration of data;
  • cyber protection products;
  • physical wastewater security measures; and
  • water/wastewater monitoring products.

Contact the Water Environment Federation [exit DNR] on how to obtain a guidance document entitled "Interim Voluntary Security Guidance for Wastewater/Stormwater Utilities," which contains information on:

  • making decisions about security measures;
  • cost-effective security solutions;
  • operational changes which may improve security;
  • general design recommendations;
  • cyber security measures;
  • installation of electric and electronic security devices; and
  • recommended wastewater security measures.

Review SCADA Systems and Security Equipment Alarms for guidance on integrating data from security alarms to SCADA systems or alarm control panels.