Strengthening Water System Security Across the Bethlehem Region

Protecting critical water infrastructure requires a proactive and coordinated approach. In partnership with IC&EE, LLC, our team prepared the Confidential Bethlehem Water System Security Improvement Feasibility Study for the Bethlehem Water Authority, building on our role as the Authority’s engineering consultant and our work developing its Annual Report of Operations in coordination with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Following key findings from prior evaluations, the Authority advanced a dedicated study to identify and address system-wide security vulnerabilities.

Evaluating Risk Across a Complex Network

The study assessed twenty-two facilities across the Authority’s system, including source water reservoirs, transmission infrastructure, the Water Filtration Plant, booster pumping stations, and storage tanks throughout Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, and Northampton Counties. Each asset was evaluated to identify risks and opportunities to strengthen physical and operational security.

Recommended improvements included enhanced physical security measures, upgraded access control systems, expanded video surveillance, and modernization of SCADA communications to support real-time monitoring and response.

Building a Roadmap for Long-Term Resilience

The effort culminated in a multi-year Security Improvements Capital Plan totaling more than $1.78 million in proposed upgrades. Improvements were prioritized by implementation sequence, allowing the Authority to phase investments strategically while maintaining system performance.

These enhancements continue to be implemented as part of a long-term resilience strategy, helping ensure the reliability and protection of critical water infrastructure for the communities it serves.