Water Security

The security of Iowa's water resources is important to all Iowans and an important part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) mission. This site focuses on protecting water and the infrastructure needed to produce and distribute drinking water.  

This site includes resources and links to information useful in assessing vulnerability, putting into place protective measures, and developing emergency plans. 

Back to top

Assessment Tools

The first step in protecting a water resource is identifying the risks to the water resource.  There are several assessment tools listed below to assist you. 

Assessment Tools
Tool NameDescription
Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool 
(VSAT-Water & Wastewater) Funded by the EPA and developed by the AMSA		VSAT provides a comprehensive assessment tool that could be used and understood by every water utility manager. This program is best suited to facilities that serve populations between 10,000 to 100,000.
US EPA Office of Water SecurityThe Office of Water Security has put together a list of tools to help facilities with vulnerability assessments.
Sandia National Labs Water Infrastructure Security Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed solutions and tools needed for the complex challenges of water infrastructure security. Sandia researchers have developed several tools and programs for water utilities including CANARY and RAM-W.  
Back to top

Potential Funding Sources

Once the vulnerability assessment is complete the water utility will have a better understanding of what can be done to protect its infrastructure and natural resources. 

The next step is to implement recommended changes that are reasonable and feasible. Some possible sources of funding for these infrastructure changes are provided:

Funding for infrastructure protection comes from two sources, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Federal Homeland Security (DHS).  The EPA Water Security Division has put together a web page listing a variety of potential funding sources and eighty percent of the Federal Homeland Security funding that the State of Iowa receives is passed through to local communities.  

In Iowa, DHS grant money is disbursed through County Emergency Management Agency Coordinators. Security improvements at water and wastewater facilities are eligible for funding if they meet DHS Office of Grants and Training Guidelines. Contact your local county emergency management coordinator if you would like to apply for DHS grant money.

Back to top

Planning Tools & Resources

The Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with local state and federal partners has developed several tools to assist water and waste water utilities in planning for an emergency.  These resources are tools that should be used to develop plans and are not intended as a substitute for the planning process.

Planning Tools and Resources
Water ProtectionCybersecurityResources
Source Water Protection (1.06 MB) .pdf Cybersecurity Factsheet - US EPAIs Your Utility Cyber Aware? - US EPA
Source Water Protection Mapper Tool

Top Cyber Actions for Securing Water Systems - US Cyber & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

 

Building Security and Resilience in the Water Sector - US EPA

 

 Cyber Security Assessment Tool - US EPAAmerica's Water Infrastructure Act - Risk & Resilience Assessments and Emergency Response Plans
 Cyber Vulnerability Scanning for Water Utilities - US CISAWater Infrastructure Resilience - US EPA

Additional water security information and assistance can be found at the EPA Office of Water Security website and the Water Security Network.

Back to top