The ominous discovery of U.S. water system plans at an Al Qaeda hideout in Afghanistan two years ago brought home stark new realities facing water agencies. Utility officials and consultants say that the upgrades completed since 9/11 represent only the beginning of far-reaching changes in planning, procurement, design, technology and budgets.

"You’re just going to see security issues entering into every part of our business as well as every part of our clients’ business," predicts Deborah English, engineering manager for Kansas City-based Black & Veatch.