Vulnerability of Water Supply Systems to Landslides (PAHO, 1997)

This publication focuses, for illustrative purposes, on a quantitative vulnerability assessment of the Tuy I drinking water system that supplies Caracas, Venezuela. The assessment applied current engineering standards and procedures and paid special attention to the eventual effects of seismic hazards and slope instability on the water supply system.

Guidelines are presented on how to identify potentially unstable slopes, whether steep or moderate, bearing in mind seismic activity and the potential for liquefaction.

When applying current engineering standards, these guidelines can assist technicians in the quantitative assessment of the vulnerability of water and sanitation systems to landslides.

The procedures employed for estimating system component reliability make it possible to select preventive strategies that can reduce the risk of suspensions in service to tolerable levels.

Among the points stressed is the need to be systematic in compiling the data needed - including field data - in order to develop effective design and prevention strategies.