PROTECTING OUR WATER SUPPLIES
FROM TERRORIST ATTACK

Q: Is the Nation's drinking water supply safe from terrorist attack? 
In general, the threat of contamination of drinking water through terrorist activities is small. Most contam-inants would need to be used in very large quantities, thereby minimizing an actual threat. Treatment processes already in place will deactivate many contaminants. Also, following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, drinking water utilities across the nation were alerted about the need to increase security, and have augmented surveillance and protection measures.

Q: What kinds of threats or terrorism are there to drinking water? 
The primary threats to our drinking water supplies are contamination by chemical, biological or radiological agents; damage, destruction, or sabotage of physical infrastructure; and disruption to computer systems. Generally, biological agents considered to be weapons of mass destruction pose the most danger in aerosol form (i.e. direct exposure to pathogens transported in the air).

Q: Is bottled water safer than water from my tap?
Bottled water is not necessarily safer from terrorist attack than your tap water. Bottled water is valuable in emergency situations (such as floods and earthquakes), and high quality bottled water may be an option for people with weakened immune systems. In most cases, bottled water comes from a water source just like water from your tap. The safety of bottled water depends on the safety and emergency response plans in place at the bottling plant. Tap water is protected at the drinking water facility through local security measures supported by EPA, state and local governments.

Q: Will boiling water help? 
Boiling water is effective in removing certain contaminants. When microorganisms, like those that indicate fecal contamination, are found in drinking water, water suppliers may be required to issue boil water notices. Boiling water kills these organisms that can cause disease. However, boiling water containing certain contaminants, such as lead and nitrate, will increase the concentration and the potential risk. It is best to check with your local water utility or health department to determine if boiling water is necessary.

Q: If a terrorist attack on my water supply is carried out, how will I know? 
In the unlikely event of an attack on your local water system, the drinking water utility would activate its existing emergency response plan with local law enforcement and state emergency officials. These plans provide for shutting down the system, notifying the public of any emergency steps that need to be taken, like boiling water, and providing an alternative source of water, if needed.

Q: What should I do if I see something around my drinking water supply that looks suspicious?
As soon as possible, contact your local law enforcement authorities, or 9-1-1, to report a suspicious event, or if you witness a perceived terrorist activity. Remember, the more facts that you can provide, the quicker the response time. Be prepared to provide detailed information to help the authorities as much as possible.

Q: Where can I get more information?
Drinking Water Basics (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwhealth.html)
Local Drinking Water Information (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo.htm)
Safe Drinking Water Web Site (http://www.epa.gov/safewater/)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/)