Enhancing the Reliability of a Contamination Detection Sensors' Network in Water Distribution Systems during a Cyber-Attack

Gopinathan R. Abhijith, Elad Salomons, Avi Ostfeld

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Water distribution systems (WDS) are critical to delivering clean, healthy water at the required quantities and qualities. They are exposed to different kinds of attacks, both physical and cyber, as well as accidental contamination events. In the past years, several events occurred in which contaminants polluted the drinking water. Most of the cases were accidental, but there had also been criminal acts involved. Placing water quality monitoring sensors in designated locations throughout the WDS is considered one of the most effective protection methods for coping with deliberate or occasional water quality contamination intrusions. Sensors, which comprise the water quality monitoring system, communicate over a cyberinfrastructure layer (via radio, cellular, satellite, or wire) and, as such, are exposed to cyber-attacks. Traditionally, sensor placement methodologies included objective functions such as the polluted volume of water consumed or the time for the first detection of possible pollution. However, so far, water quality sensor placement algorithms and tools have not considered cases where the sensor network itself is attacked or malfunctions in a way that part of its components is deactivated. In this study, we propose to develop and demonstrate a methodology for evaluating the impact of a cyber-attack on a sensor network compromising part of its functionality. Our proof-of-concept, using a simple network and straightforward cyber-attack scenario, has revealed potential in analyzing the performance of sensor networks under attack and can provide valuable information for decision-makers in the water utilities and regulators.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2023
Subtitle of host publicationAdaptive Planning and Design in an Age of Risk and Uncertainty - Selected Papers from World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2023
EditorsSajjad Ahmad, Regan Murray
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages1-12
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9780784484852
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
EventWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2023: Adaptive Planning and Design in an Age of Risk and Uncertainty - Henderson, United States
Duration: 21 May 202325 May 2023

Publication series

NameWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2023: Adaptive Planning and Design in an Age of Risk and Uncertainty - Selected Papers from World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2023

Conference

ConferenceWorld Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2023: Adaptive Planning and Design in an Age of Risk and Uncertainty
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHenderson
Period21/05/2325/05/23

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Water Science and Technology
  • Pollution
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Environmental Engineering

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