Second Edition of the Vulnerability Assessment Methodology Released

The Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF) has just released the second edition of Risk Assessment Methodology for Water Utilities (RAM-WSM), a methodology for conducting vulnerability assessment programs for drinking water utilities. Extensive revisions have been conducted to reflect the current state of the science. These revisions include the following.

• More user-friendly and complete information based on case studies and feedback received during training workshops.

• A new section dealing specifically with SCADA and cyber security issues.

• Full integration of emergency response into the methodology.

• More extensive explanation of threat definition.

• Applicability to groundwater utilities as well as surface water utilities.

"The rapid development and distribution of this second edition demonstrates AwwaRF's commitment and ability to respond to the pressing needs of the water supply community," stated James Manwaring, Executive Director of AwwaRF.

Developed for AwwaRF by Sandia National Laboratories with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the methodology contains sensitive information and is not available to the general public. The methodology is only available to relevant stakeholders in the water supply community and is subject to strict nondisclosure requirements. Relevant stakeholders include personnel at drinking water utilities, consulting engineers working for drinking water utilities, EPA, state drinking water program regulatory personnel and others providing security for drinking water utilities.

AwwaRF is providing copies of the methodology free of charge to its subscribers. All other relevant stakeholders may obtain a copy from the American Water Works Association (product number 20529) for $85 plus shipping and handling. To request ordering information, contact Eric Lovick at (303) 734-3441.

With more than 1,000 subscriber members in the U.S. and abroad, the Awwa Research Foundation serves as the central research organization for drinking water suppliers. Since 1983, the Foundation has funded and managed 710 projects valued at $258 million. More information on the Awwa Research Foundation is available on http://www.awwarf.com.

Source: AWWA Research Foundation