ARAM-W Automated Risk Assessment Methodology for Water and Wastewater
The Automated Risk Assessment Methodology for Water and Wastewater Utilities, ARAM-W, is a systematic, risk-based approach used to evaluate water and wastewater utilities from a range of threats that could cause an undesired event. It leverages the automated RAM-CI (critical infrastructure) prototype tool completed in September 2008, the manual RC RAM-W (RAMCAP compliant) approach completed in September 2007, the manual RAM-W, version 2, approach completed in 2002, and the requirements and needs of the Water Sector, EPA and DHS. The ARAM-W tool is a user-friendly tool which provides a sound scientific and technical framework to look at the total protection system. The ARAM-W tool provides the user the ability to determine a relative risk based on the threat, consequences and protection system effectiveness/vulnerability. It is a stand-alone PC-based tool which is compatible with the NIPP risk assessment methodology criteria as well as RAMPCAP. The ARAM-W process provides through a series of steps the ability to plan for the risk assessment; characterize the utility, facilities and assets; define the threat; identify undesired events and consequences; evaluate protection system effectiveness; determine risk; propose and evaluate upgrades if the risk is not acceptable and report on the assessment results.