Water security test monitoring getting start in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is serving as the test market for a new program that could help water utilities get earlier warning when viruses, bacteria and chemicals are introduced into the water supply.

The pilot program from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which was implemented in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, uses continuous monitoring of public water through sensors that can track characteristics such as clarity and chlorine levels.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Greater Cincinnati Water Works began the $11 million test project in 2006 and have spent the last year and a half installing the equipment.

Once the pilot program is complete, the EPA hopes to have a national water-security model that utilities can adopt at their own expense.

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