Threat Perceptions and Risk Management in Urban Water Supply Schemes

The objective of an urban water supply scheme (UWSS) is to provide safe and adequate drinking water to the public on sustainable basis. Most of these WSSs are vulnerable to natural hazards like earthquake, cyclone, landslides, and excessive rainfall etc., and the willful physical, chemical, biological, and cyber attacks. While the risk due to natural catastrophes remains high, the risk due to man-made disasters has also been increasing during the last few decades. Almost every nation is facing the problem of terrorism, as it is impossible to satisfy all sections of society within a state, a country, or a group of countries at global level. In order to express their dis-satisfaction and anguish, the disillusioned individuals or group of individuals indulge in the terrorist activities targeting the infrastructures so as to create panic among larger section. The events like September 11, 2001, attack on Indian Parliament, religious places, and recent attack of November 26, 2008 in Mumbai (India), and consistent threats of use of chemical & biological weapons in various parts of the world has compelled the researchers and managers to plan the operation and management of water supply schemes from a different perspective as it is one of the most important infrastructure for the sustenance of society. Precautions are required against the physical, chemical, biological, and cyber attacks on water supply systems.