As indispensable as they are, water and wastewater treatment facilities face an increasing number of threats.
Access to clean water is one of humanity’s most fundamental needs. Water and wastewater treatment facilities play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of this vital resource. These facilities convert water from natural sources into potable water and treat wastewater to protect the environment.
However, as indispensable as they are, these systems face an increasing number of threats. From physical breaches to cyberattacks and operational failures, the challenges are mounting.
Joe Morgan, Business Development Manager for Critical Infrastructure at Axis Communications, recently explored how advanced technologies, including AI-powered edge processing and network surveillance, can help these facilities build resilience and ensure uninterrupted operations in a
blog post.
The critical role of water treatment facilities
The importance of water treatment facilities cannot be overstated. Beyond providing clean water for daily use, they support industrial processes, such as manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, and ensure that wastewater is treated before being released back into the ecosystem.
Any disruption to these services can have immediate and widespread consequences for public health, the environment, and industries.
Morgan emphasizes that water treatment facilities form the backbone of functional societies.
"Any disruption can have an immediate, significant, and far-reaching impact," Morgan notes. This is why these facilities are considered critical infrastructure and are often subject to strict regulatory controls, such as the EU's Critical Entity Resilience (CER) Directive and the NIS2 requirements.
Threats to water facilities: a growing concern
Water treatment facilities face diverse threats, both physical and digital. Physical intrusions could lead to contamination of the water supply or damage to sensitive equipment, while cyberattacks on connected systems could have equally catastrophic consequences.
Additionally, operational failures resulting from equipment breakdowns pose a risk to business continuity.
Morgan highlights that defending these facilities requires a "considered and comprehensive approach" that incorporates advanced technologies to mitigate risks and enhance safety, security, and operational continuity. From perimeter defense to predictive maintenance, the integration of smart technology is key to addressing these challenges.
Proactive perimeter defense: the first line of security
One of the most effective strategies for protecting water facilities is to adopt a proactive approach to perimeter security. By detecting threats before they breach the facility's boundaries, security teams can intervene early and prevent potentially disastrous incidents.
Morgan outlines how technologies such as radar devices, thermal cameras, and PTZ cameras can work together to enhance perimeter security. Radar devices can establish a monitored "buffer zone" beyond the facility's fence line, detecting unauthorized activity and providing early warning to security operators. Thermal cameras, combined with PTZ cameras, can then track and identify intruders, even in low-light conditions.
For facilities concerned about airborne threats, such as drones, Morgan suggests integrating PTZ cameras with third-party drone detection solutions. These systems can identify the intent of drones and help security teams take appropriate action.
"The aim is to stop and prevent threats – land and airborne – before they even enter your premises," he explains.
Layered security within the facility
While perimeter defenses are essential, Morgan warns that intruders may still breach the outer barriers. This is where layered security within the facility becomes critical. The area inside the perimeter fence, which includes high-risk zones and critical assets, must be closely monitored to deter and mitigate unauthorized access.
In this layer of security, radar devices, thermal technology, and visual cameras work together to provide comprehensive situational awareness. These tools help operators detect and respond to threats in real time, preventing intruders from accessing sensitive areas.
Access control systems are another vital component of internal security. Morgan emphasizes the importance of integrated solutions that combine credential validation, multifactor authentication, and video verification.
These systems ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical areas and enable swift intervention when unauthorized access is detected.
The rising threat of cyberattacks
In addition to physical security challenges, water treatment facilities face significant risks from cyberattacks. As these facilities adopt more connected systems to improve efficiency, they become vulnerable to cybercriminals seeking to disrupt operations or cause harm.
Morgan points to a 2021 incident in Florida, where hackers remotely accessed a water treatment plant’s system and attempted to alter chemical levels in the water supply. Although the attack was thwarted in time, the incident underscored the potential for catastrophic outcomes.
To defend against such threats, Morgan advises facilities to adopt a multi-pronged cybersecurity strategy. This includes using devices designed with built-in cybersecurity features, regularly updating software to address emerging threats, and modernizing legacy systems to protect against advanced attacks.
"Mitigating the threat of cyberattacks involves a strong, layered defense," Morgan notes.
Enhancing operational resilience through predictive maintenance
Operational failures can be as disruptive as security incidents, especially when they lead to unplanned downtime. Historically, facilities relied on routine inspections to identify equipment issues, often discovering problems only after a malfunction occurred.
This reactive approach not only results in costly repairs but also increases the risk of extended service interruptions.
Morgan highlights how advanced technologies, such as thermometric cameras, can transform this approach by enabling predictive maintenance. These cameras detect early signs of equipment dysfunction, such as temperature spikes, allowing operators to intervene before a complete failure occurs.
This proactive approach “allows you to intervene before failure and shutdown occurs and has the positive benefit of reducing costs and improving overall resilience " Morgan explains.
In addition to monitoring equipment, facilities can analyze historical operational data to identify trends and implement preventive measures. By leveraging data-driven insights, operators can enhance the reliability of their systems and ensure uninterrupted service.
Prioritizing employee and public safety
Safety is a critical consideration for water treatment facilities, given the hazardous chemicals and processes involved in their operations. Facilities have a duty of care to protect their employees, the public, and the environment. Morgan emphasizes the role of video surveillance technology in ensuring compliance with safety regulations and responding to emergencies.
For instance, video analytics can detect whether employees are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in restricted areas. If non-compliance is identified, access can be restricted automatically. Surveillance systems can also monitor for falls, fire, or smoke, enabling rapid responses to protect workers and prevent further damage.
Audio technology adds another layer of safety by allowing operators to broadcast real-time messages to employees during emergencies. This capability can help preserve life and mitigate risks, ensuring the well-being of everyone on-site.
Building resilience for the future
As threats to critical infrastructure become more sophisticated, water and wastewater treatment facilities must continuously adapt to stay ahead. Morgan stresses the importance of investing in technologies that enhance security, safety, and operational efficiency. By adopting a comprehensive approach, facilities can address today's challenges while preparing for future risks.
"Threats against critical infrastructure are only becoming more complex and sophisticated," Morgan concludes. " As a result, it’s important to build resilience into the safety and security operations in your water and wastewater treatment facilities to help you withstand and recover from threats – whether they are malicious or not."
Water treatment facilities are indispensable to modern life and safeguarding them is essential for the well-being of society. By leveraging advanced technologies and best practices, operators can ensure that these critical systems remain resilient, reliable, and secure in the face of evolving threats.