What assessment identifies the weaknesses of a water system in the event of a disaster?

A vulnerability assessment is specifically designed to identify the weaknesses of a water system, particularly in the context of potential disasters. This type of assessment focuses on understanding how various threats (natural disasters, man-made events, etc.) could exploit existing vulnerabilities in infrastructure, systems, or operations. By identifying these vulnerabilities, operators can develop strategies to strengthen the system against possible impacts, ensuring a more resilient water distribution network.

In contrast, a risk assessment tends to evaluate the probability and impact of various hazards but does not focus solely on the internal weaknesses of a system. Compliance assessments are oriented towards ensuring that regulations and standards are met, and impact assessments evaluate the consequences of proposed actions rather than assessing vulnerability directly. Therefore, the vulnerability assessment is the most appropriate choice for examining the specific weaknesses within a water system in the face of potential disasters.