Hydraulic Transient Assault Capabilities in Water Distribution Systems

This study examines the destructive potential of the hydraulic transient in water distribution systems and the role it can play in future cyber-attacks. It demonstrates the use of hydraulic transients to induce great pressure spikes that will compromise the system integrity and disrupt water supply. The purpose of the study is to present a framework where distribution system vulnerabilities are analyzed for better protection against intentional pressure surges. The danger lies in the variety and simplicity of introducing sudden changes to the system, hence inducing pressure surges. In addition, pressure surges travel at high speeds (~1,000 m/s in steel pipes) and propagate throughout the network, thus exposing the whole system to extreme pressures. Therefore, a more thorough analysis of the network is done to examine the vulnerable components and give a better estimation of the network’s impregnability. The proposed method excites different transient events along the system and simulates the pressure surge response. The phases between the events can dramatically affect the pressure at different locations. Therefore, the optimal phases for achieving the highest pressure, that is the worst-case scenario, are examined. A case study application is presented to demonstrate the potential of this approach. The results demonstrate the destructive potential of a deliberate hydraulic transient that can cause severe damages and even put the system out of use.