Risk management in water supply networks: Aveiro case study

Area of Science:

• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Risk Management

Background:

• Water supply networks are critical infrastructures vital for public health, safety, and economic stability.
• Effective risk management is essential for maintaining the functionality and integrity of these vital assets.
• Identifying vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation strategies are crucial for ensuring resilient water supply systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify vulnerabilities in water supply infrastructures.
• To analyze associated risks and consequences.
• To propose necessary measures for risk reduction and infrastructure reinforcement.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of various risk assessment methodologies to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Case study application on the Aveiro municipality's water supply network using ArcGIS software.
• Determination of threat probabilities and consequences across eight scenarios for six distinct threat categories.

Main Results:

• Risk maps were developed, illustrating the vulnerability of the water supply network.
• All analyzed scenarios indicated a low or medium level of risk.
• The study identified specific areas and threats requiring attention for vulnerability reduction.

Conclusions:

• The water supply network in Aveiro exhibits manageable risk levels but requires proactive management.
• Developing and implementing specific plans and measures are crucial for decreasing network vulnerability.
• Continuous risk assessment and adaptation are necessary to ensure the long-term security of water supply infrastructures.