Security of Water Critical Infrastructure

There is an identified and elevated threat level to water services by modern terrorists, in consideration of increasing levels of observed violence in recent terrorist attacks across Europe. This chapter raises significant aspects related to the security of the water critical infrastructure (water CI). Initially, dependencies and interdependencies of water CI, with other CIs, are highlighted as a potential incubating risk, which may well be hidden within the complexities of the modern water value chain of logistics and services. Threats to water CI including single points of failure are further described, followed by terrorist water attack planning methodologies and strategies. Finally, the water CI protection that may be considered to reduce any future threat levels from acts of terrorism is discussed.