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Research Highlights
NHSRC Research Supports the WaterSentinel Program EWS Research EffortsAn effective CWS will integrate monitoring and surveillance technologies, event detection methods, and consequence management plans in order to minimize potential public health and economic impacts. Researchers will deploy CWSs in several U.S. cities for pilot testing. Ultimately, the WaterSentinel Program will enable drinking water utilities of different sizes and characteristics to adopt and implement a CWS that works best for them. NHSRC supports the WaterSentinel Program by conducting research on system design, laboratory methods, and risk assessment and by developing and testing new tools and technologies.To support the CWS system design efforts, NHSRC is investigating the use of water quality sensors and the effectiveness of single- and multi-parameter devices for detecting specific contaminants. NHSRC is also developing tools for determining optimal sensor and sampling sites. Researchers are also working on sensor performance and acute health impact models. Faster, better, and less expensive laboratory methods are being developed to analyze biological and chemical agents. Risk assessment research includes public health surveillance and establishing health advisory levels as well as developing tools for communicating risks to emergency responders and the general public. NHSRC works with WSD to thoroughly test all new methods, technologies, and tools related to CWS development. Method validation studies as well as evaluations of on-line sensors, real-time modeling and decision support tools, and GSI-based response tools ensure that the warning systems will be both effective and efficient. NHSRC is involved in field, lab, and pilot studies to test CWS performance. WaterSentinel Program ProductsThe products of the WaterSentinel Program will include recommendations on effective approaches for detecting contamination events in drinking water systems. Expected Users and BenefactorsExpected users of WaterSentinel Program products are drinking water utility operators.
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