Sensor network design of contammination warning systems: A decision framework

Contamination warning systems have been proposed as a promising approach for detecting contaminants in drinking water systems early enough to allow for the effective reduction of public health or economic consequences. A variety of modeling and optimization tools has been developed to support the design of utility‐specific contamination warning systems. However, warning system design is not a straightforward application of a software tool; it requires a series of significant decisions about the warning system—s intended nature, purpose, and use. In this article, the authors describe a decision framework that uses the threat ensemble vulnerability assessment and sensor placement optimization tool (TEVA‐SPOT) to determine sensor placement. The framework allows for the development of multiple sensor network designs that can be compared and evaluated against a standard set of criteria. TEVA‐SPOT and the decision framework have been applied to several large water systems; one of those utility examples is included here.