National security experts, water utility managers and emergency responders will gather in Oklahoma City, OK, April 10-12, to confront issues related to the security of water supplies and infrastructure at the third Water Security Congress, hosted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

The gathering at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel will include workshops and technical sessions covering surveillance, contamination information and monitoring technology, cyber security, financial issues and emergency response planning. More than 50 manufacturers of security and water monitoring technologies will display their latest innovations in the Congress exhibit hall.

"Sound physical security, reliable contaminant monitoring and smart infrastructure design are all important in keeping our water supplies secure," said Jack W. Hoffbuhr, AWWA executive director. "Equally critical is the sharing of information and ideas among those involved in preventing and responding to intentional attacks on our water. The Water Security Congress provides the best forum for everyone involved in keeping our water safe to inform and learn from one another."

The Water Security Congress convenes one week before the nation commemorates the 10th anniversary of the terrorist bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. On Monday, April 11, Congress attendees will tour the new Oklahoma City Federal Building to learn about its security design considerations. They will also visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

Registration materials and more information are online at www.awwa.org/conferences/congress .

Source: AWWA   April 11, 2005