Beyond the publicity and debate, significant activities are underway to strengthen the protection of the nation’s citizens and resources from terrorist acts. A critical area of focus is drinking water security, which has been the subject of reported terrorist threats. State and local governments play a vital role in the efforts to prevent and respond to these threats. Many Safe Drinking Water Act programs are implemented at the state-level, and states bear much of the personnel, financial, and technical responsibilities for drinking water protection. A report published by the Environmental Law Institute® identifies state legislation and policies that have been adopted since September 11, 2001 to protect drinking water and homeland security.
Homeland Security and Drinking Water Protection: An Opportunity for Comprehensive Protection of A Vital Natural Resource identifies state legislation in the categories of water supply protection, crimes and law enforcement, administrative actions, public health measures, emergency preparedness, and appropriation of funds. State policies identified include the preparation of educational and guidance materials, task force creation, local government engagement, stakeholder communication and coordination, and utility action."State and local governments act as the ’first line of defense’ in the protection of drinking water from terrorist acts," said B. Suzi Ruhl, author of the report and Director of ELI’s Center for Public Health and Law. "These governments are actively involved in planning, management, and response measures. Ultimate success in achieving homeland security and drinking water safety stems from the cooperation of multiple agencies, including law enforcement, public health, emergency management, and environmental protection."
The report also discusses federal homeland security authorities and programs, and federal environmental authorities and their potential applicability to homeland security issues. In addition, the report identifies opportunities for constructive interaction between federal, state, and local governments; water utilities; emergency personnel; academic institutions; health, technical, and legal sectors; non-governmental organizations; and the general public.
Copies of Homeland Security and Drinking Water Protection, a summary brochure, and related materials are available for free download at www.elistore.org. For more information about this report, please contact B. Suzi Ruhl, Director of ELI’s Center for Public Health and Law, at ruhl@eli.org or 202-939-3800.