OBSERVATION 7 – POLICY AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING TRIGGERED ALARMS ON THE
WATER INFILTRATION AND WATER REMOVAL SYSTEMS OF THE PRIMARY DATA CENTER
Our review indicated an absence of a policy and procedures governing what should be done in the event
water infiltration sensors or the water removal system triggered alarms within the primary data center.
This lack of procedures also resulted in a lack of training and understanding on what to do in case water
was detected. This results in an increased risk to the equipment housed in the primary data center.
AUDITOR’S RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that Colorado Springs Utilities develop a policy and procedures to deal with activated
alarms on the water infiltration and water removal systems within the primary data center. Once
procedures have been established, we recommend that the appropriate personnel be trained on how to
deal with such situations and that such training be documented.
COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES RESPONSE
Colorado Springs Utilities agrees with this recommendation. Under-floor water sensors are located in
the primary data center. The center is inspected hourly by Security patrols on a 24/7 basis, especially
when not occupied by data center personnel. Colorado Springs Utilities will develop a written policy and
procedure to deal with activated alarms on the water infiltration and water removal systems within the
primary data center. Regularly checking the condition of the water sensors will be added to the Security
Operations Plan. The Facilities Management staff will take the lead in working with Information
Technology staff to develop the policy and procedures, and appropriate personnel will be trained. The
scheduled date to have the policy and procedures in place; the sensors added to the Security Operations
monitoring system; and necessary training completed and documented is April 5, 2013.