The American Water Works Association highlighted water security and emergency response at its June 18th Annual Conference and Exhibition at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The AWWA was established in 1881 and is the largest and oldest nonprofit scientific and educational dedicated to safe drinking water in North America.

This was the first annual conference held by AWWA since the events of September 11th. Much of the focus at the conference was on safety and security issues. Forum and seminar titles included, “When the Extraordinary overshadows the Everyday,” “Counter-Terrorism and Security in the Water Industry,” and “The World Trade Center Attack: A Water Supplier Responds.”

Following September 11, the media and governing bodies have had to re-examine the security of America’s drinking water supplies. The Public Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Act requires vulnerability assessments be made on all public water systems serving more that 3,300 customers.

The Web site for more information is www.awwa.org/ace2002.