Security and decontamination of drinking water distribution system following a deliberate contamination (SecurEau)

Aim of the study

The project will be carried out under the EU’s the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. The main objective of the project is to limit the impact of safe water privation on the population because of contaminated networks, and to launch an appropriate response for rapidly restoring the use of the drinking water network after a deliberate contamination by CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) substances.

Implementation

Vulnerability of drinking water distribution systems to deliberate attacks is one of the main issues of concern to regulatory agencies, and water utilities. SecurEau will serve as a demonstration project for designing and implementing an effective and timely response on a CBRN attack. The project builds on experience gained in the past and ongoing NATO, USEPA and EU projects (e.g. SAFER; COCERSI; CARE-W, CARE-S and TENAWA).

STUK will participate in work packages concerning (i) rapid off-line detection methods for water and biofilms, (ii) modelling accumulation of radionuclides on pipe surfaces, (iii) decontamination procedures of distribution systems and (iv) organisation of dissemination and exploitation of the results by stake holders.

Dissemination and exploitation of the results

Clear and effective dissemination, exploitation and transfer of the results and their applicability to the international scientific community, water agencies, local governments, the industry and the general public will be carried out through, e.g. the project web pages. It is also planned to exchange information with the EC research programmes of the similar field (e.g. Techneau, PASR2006).

Collaborators

NanCIE, France; CNRS (LCPME), France; Anjou Recherche / Veolia Environnement, France; IWW, Germany; University of Southampton, Great-Britain; National Public Health Institute (KTL), Finland; FEUP, Portugal; Riga Technical University, Latvia; CEMAGREF, France; Monitoring Systems Ltd, Great-Britain; CEA, France; Three Valleys Waters, Great-Britain and Yorkshire Water Services Ltd, UK.

Timetable

2008–2012

Responsible scientist

Maarit Muikku

Page updated 15/05/2009