Forms and Checklists provided in Emergency Response Documents may be helpful in conducting the threat assessment and organizing information for more effective response.

Conduct Threat Assessment

When an incident or possible threat is reported to local law enforcement, the operator or superintendent, along with local law enforcement, will decide if there is any credible threat to the water supply system. The evaluation should include an inspection for physical evidence, such as containers or material, in an intrusion area; a quick check for chlorine residuals in all parts of the system; and a check of finished water for turbidity, odor, color, and pH. Care should be taken with this assessment. An unusual event such as finding an unlocked door or hatch, without any other indication of compromised water quality, should not automatically be considered a credible threat to the water supply system.

No Credible Threat

If it is determined that there is no credible threat, local law enforcement will continue to investigate the potential threat, and the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) should be notified by 10 a.m. the following day.  However, if operators have any special concerns about the situation, they should immediately contact their WQCD district engineer (1-877-518-5608).

 

Credible Threat

If it is determined that there is a credible threat to the water supply system, the operator/superintendent will immediately report the threat to the state Environmental Emergency Spill Reporting Line (1-877-518-5608) and the local emergency manager. The local emergency manager may be the county sheriff or a member of the fire department.  A list of these managers may be found at http://www.dola.state.co.us/oem/localem.htm.  Law enforcement officials should also contact the FBI.

Public water systems are strongly encouraged to develop a reporting protocol and relationship with local law enforcement before an incident occurs. Having local law enforcement aware of the water system, its critical components, and any areas of vulnerability is a key part of water system security.