Quality model for integrated security monitoring and control in water distribution systems

This article addresses the problem of drinking water distribution system (DWDS) security in the terms of water quality which in the era of terrorist threat is of high importance to the public. The contribution of this paper is the development of the so called security module to extend a multi-species water quality model. This gives an insight to the situation in DWDS not only under normal operational conditions but also in case of a malicious attack on water quality. Moreover the security inputs are formally introduced to the model structure. This module enables simulation of both bacterial and/or chemical water contamination in DWDS environment. Previously defined inputs are utilised in proposed experiments by an attacking agent to influence the DWDS quality. The purpose of model development is to enable water scientists and water authorities to simulate the contamination propagation pathways and mechanisms throughout the network without omitting the 'natural' water chemistry effects. A simple simulation example for the exemplary DWDS illustrates the model performance for two distinct contamination scenarios.