ABSTRACT
The public is much less sensitive to wastewater as an area of vulnerability than it is to drinking water; however, wastewater systems do provide opportunities for terrorist threats. Wastewater treatment is important for preventing disease and protecting the environment. Wastewater is treated by publicly owned treatment works and by private facilities such as industrial plants. Federal and state agencies have long been active in addressing these risks and threats to water and wastewater utilities through regulations, technical assistance, research, and outreach programs. Water and wastewater systems consist of multiple components spread over a wide area, and typically include a centralized treatment plant, as well as distribution or collection system components that are typically distributed at multiple locations throughout the community. Backpressure is the reverse from normal flow direction within a piping system that is the result of the downstream pressure being higher than the supply pressure.
