Review of Modeling Methodologies for Managing Water Distribution Security

Area of Science:

• Water resource management
• Infrastructure security
• Computational modeling

Background:

• Water distribution systems face significant threats to delivery, quality, and infrastructure.
• Effective hazard assessment and preparation are crucial for water utilities and managers.
• Computational frameworks are essential for exploring 'what-if' scenarios in water system security.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the state-of-the-art in modeling methodologies for water distribution system security.
• To analyze existing simulation approaches and software tools for threat mitigation.
• To identify research needs for enhancing the security of water distribution systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of modeling methodologies for water security.
• Analysis of emergency management framework activities (risk assessment, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery).
• Review of simulation approaches and software tools for four threat modes: contamination, physical destruction, cascading failures, and cyber attacks.

Main Results:

• Modeling tools were mapped to emergency management activities.
• Studies were grouped based on methodologies used to support emergency management.
• Current research addresses various threat modes using diverse simulation and modeling techniques.

Conclusions:

• Existing research provides a foundation for water distribution system security modeling.
• Further research is needed to enhance the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of security strategies.
• Recommendations focus on advancing modeling capabilities to improve system resilience and emergency preparedness.