Review of Modeling Methodologies for Managing Water Distribution Security

Water distribution systems are vulnerable to hazards that threaten water delivery, water quality, and physical and cybernetic infrastructure. Water utilities and managers are responsible for assessing and preparing for these hazards, and researchers have developed a range of computational frameworks to explore and identify strategies for what-if scenarios. This manuscript conducts a review of the literature to report on the state of the art in modeling methodologies that have been developed to support the security of water distribution systems. First, the major activities outlined in the emergency management framework are reviewed; the activities include risk assessment, mitigation, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Simulation approaches and prototype software tools are reviewed that have been developed by government agencies and researchers for assessing and mitigating four threat modes, including contamination events, physical destruction, interconnected infrastructure cascading failures, and cybernetic attacks. Modeling tools are mapped to emergency management activities, and an analysis of the research is conducted to group studies based on methodologies that are used and developed to support emergency management activities. Recommendations are made for research needs that will contribute to the enhancement of the security of water distribution systems.