Y2K STUDY: WATER SUPPLIES ARE VULNERABLE

[Guest guest]

Here's an assessment for the US. Water supplies in other countries will

be affected by 1) To what degree they have been computerized; 2) To

what degree the government can afford to update the pertinent software

and computer hardware for sewage, water, electricity 3) To what degree

government contracting (such as Y2K computer upgrades) is contaminated

by bribery and nepotism. I'm sure devotees are competent to assess the

risks specific to their own country, once alerted to the general

danger. Be prepared.

 

"I am the taste of water." -- Just make sure you have some on hand.

 

your servant,

 

Hare Krsna dasi

 

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12/10/99- Updated 08:55 AM ET

 

Y2K STUDY: WATER SUPPLIES ARE VULNERABLE

 

By M.J. Zuckerman, USA TODAY

 

Drinking water and sewage facilities are threatened by the looming Y2K

computer glitch, according to a study by two watchdog agencies that

blames government and industry with lax oversight.

 

"There are serious doubts that the 55,000 drinking water utilities and

the 16,000 publicly owned wastewater facilities in the United States

will be prepared for Y2K," the report by the Natural Resources Defense

Council and the Center for Y2K & Society says.

 

The report is drawn from surveys conducted by groups such as the

American Water Works Association, which found that no more than 40% of

those responding had completed the first stage of Y2K upgrades by June.

Further, the report notes, fewer than 15% of wastewater treatment

facilities are prepared.

 

Although the study sparked debate among government and industry

representatives, all agreed that every household should stockpile water

-- a gallon of water per day per person to last a minimum of four days

-- through the first few months of 2000.

 

"Clearly, many water systems are going to operate without problems,"

said Norman Dean, executive director of the Center for Y2K & Society.

"However, our report indicates that some are likely to suffer

Y2K-related problems."

 

With only three weeks remaining, water joins a short list of likely Y2K

trouble spots, including 911 systems, schools, scattered power

facilities and some medical and social service systems.

 

The report notes that low water pressure could interfere with

firefighting, and Y2K interruptions could cut stockpiles of water

treatment chemicals.

 

"We are very concerned about wastewater preparedness," said Don Meyer,

spokesman for the Senate Y2K Committee. "However, we disagree that

drinking water is in crisis."

 

Jon DeBoers of the American Water Works Association conceded that survey

results were not entirely encouraging but said, "The vast majority of

the water systems have tested most of their critical components and are

confident that they are Y2K-ready."

 

He acknowledged that any prolonged power failure would create great

difficulties for water and sewage stations.

 

The report blames the Environmental Protection Agency and President

Clinton's Y2K Council for not responding aggressively after the surveys

came out.

 

"My ultimate sense is that most of the large utilities are going to be

prepared," said Chuck Fox, EPA deputy administrator for water. "If

there's going to be (trouble), it would be with the smaller utilities."