I found this on Gary North's site. Pretty interesting reading.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washdc/ncsthu09.htm Comment: Think of Los Angeles after one week without water or sewers. Think of a Chicago highrise after four hours without water or flush toilets.

It was my concern over water that convinced me to start this site.

This article is based on this 39-page report (Dec. 8).

This is from USA TODAY (Dec. 10).

* * * * * * * * *

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. . . .

The report notes that low water pressure could interfere with firefighting, and Y2K interruptions could cut stockpiles of water treatment chemicals. . . .

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. . . .

"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."

-- Familyman (prepare@home.com), December 10, 1999

Answers

Our biggest fear coming to pass :-(

Nurses are sensitive to the importance of running water, hot water, and efficient sewer systems.

If one can't clean up raw sewage back-up quickly --

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), December 10, 1999.

So, I guess this call for the common saying of......sh*t happens!!

-- Familyman (prepare@home.com), December 10, 1999.

Read the report for yourself: it's at http://www.y2kcenter.org/resources/centerpubs/

It explains how the industry's June report was MISINTERPRETED by the Senate Committee and the President's council, leading to an overly- rosy view of the drinking water industry's readiness.

A follow-up survey by AMWA (Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies) in September was of little use because it consisted of only two questions and failed to ask utilities if they had completed the final, most critical, and often longest phases: TESTING & IMPLEMENTATION. Of course, none of the surveys asked about IV&V.

NRWA's (National Rural Water Assn) survey hasn't even been released yet!

-- d (d@d.com), December 10, 1999.

As a heads up, MSNBC has just stated that every American household NEEDS to stockpile water because it has come to light that the majority of American water and Sewage systems have done nothing to rectify their Y2K concerns. I will find out more and get a link to this asap.

-- Rob (maxovrdrv51@hotmail.com), December 10, 1999.

OH of course !! problems with power or oil I can deal with... but Water !! This is the WORST of the Worst case problems.

-- Dan G (earth_changes@hotmail.com), December 10, 1999.

By 12/31/99 there will be reports, oops the US .gov has too rosily miscalculated the rollover worthiness of electrical grid, water & sewer, public safety, nuclear power facilities, health care, transportation, food production, fuel distribution, etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc

-- Oh Oh (Oh Oh@Oh Oh.Oh Oh), December 10, 1999.

Personally, I am more concerned about sewage than anything else. I am on a sewar line. If the toilets don't flush, that is bad enough. If they back up, that is deadly.

-- Lars (lars@indy.net), December 10, 1999.

While this report is certainly a bit disturbing, you might want to dig a little deeper, and think about the agenda of the authoring organizations. At this stage of the game (21 days to go) I'm viewing Y2K like the end of a dirty political race - examine everything you read with intense scrutiny, and think about motivation. Don't believe anything from either side just because it supports your own views. The race is only going to get nastier in the next few weeks.

NRDC is a very "green", environmental lobbying group .

The Center for Y2k and Society has a very convoluted parental lineage. It is sponsored and funded by the Tides Center, which supports, among other endeavors, the Institute for Global Communications.

You can do the research yourself and find out what causes these organizations support (Tides Center and IGC is particularly interesting). And, while none of this is inherently bad, you should treat anything you read from an advocay group with the same level of healthy skepticism that you would "good news" from Kosky's spin mill or industry trade groups like NERC or AWWA.

In other words, do some critical thinking.

Look for the agenda, which is almost always going to be larger than the individual issue itself (Y2K in this case). This applies to ANY group with it's origins inside the Washington, DC beltway, whether it's the NRA or Greenpeace. My guess is that there's very few NRA members who would even think for a moment about supporting anything the Tides Center or NRDC was involved in.

-- Nom (nom@de.plume), December 10, 1999.

Nom (and others)

Here is another ongoing thread about the same article. While you maybe interested in the political agenda of certian groups the fact remains that water and waste - water could be at risk in areas.

 Water supplies in question

Here is a post to the forum I made about the risks to the Water - Waste Water Systems in June. This is from the EPA.

At this late date and we are still in the dark.

 EPA Y2K and Water - Waste Water (From Timebomb Post)

 In the Senate Report,

Utilities from 100 day report (Wastewater!!!)

While the confidence level of the wastewater
       industry is very high, the recent AMSA survey data
       indicating only a 14% completion rate as of July
       1999 is a cause for great concern. There is not
       enough detail available to determine how close to
       completion the vast majority of companies are at this
       point. As of July 1999, the graphic representation
       for the remaining activities necessary for Y2K
       remediation before January 1 appears to go almost
       straight up. It may be possible that only a few minor
       tasks remain for full completion of Y2K work for
       many of the companies reporting, but this remains
       unknown. The statistics seem to indicate quite the
       opposite? only 67% reported they had completed the
       assessment stage as of July 1999. Knowing what we
       know about the complexity of Y2K remediation and
       the potential for the occurrence of additional
       unforeseen problems "late in the game," we feel
       justified in saying that we are alarmed by these
       statistics.

       Concerns

       In light of all the concentrated effort that has been
       undertaken, the Committee is surprised by the low
       level of readiness of the wastewater industry
       reflected in the July 1999 AMSA survey. A lack of
       readiness on the part of the wastewater industry can
       have a devastating impact on the drinking water
       supply, no matter how well prepared that sector is.

       All of the AMSA survey participants anticipated
       completion of the repair phase by early fall 1999.
       This leaves virtually no time left for testing for those
       not yet done.

       Another cause of our concern arises solely due to the
       immensity of the water and wastewater sector. The
       power industry pales in comparison to the size,
       scope, and varying degrees of technology that exist
       within the water and wastewater industry. These
       factors make it very difficult to offer any broadbrush
       assessment of the industry.

       The Committee will continue to emphasize the
       importance of readiness, particularly in the
       wastewater sector of this industry in what little time
       remains. We are currently working with the EPA and
       water and wastewater associations to organize a
       summit to take action on remaining concerns in this
       area, and to make further inquiry regarding the
       current readiness of the wastewater industry.

-- Brian (imager@home.com), December 10, 1999.

yes... always consider the source... but here's the article anyway

Less than Half of Water Systems May Be Prepared for Y2K; Government Panels Misinterpreted Key Information, Says Report

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Surveys of drinking-water and wastewater facilities by industry groups indicate that, at best, less than half these utilities are ready for the year 2000 rollover, says a report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Center for Y2K and Society.

The most recent detailed industry survey by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) and the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC), shows that only 20 percent to 45 percent of drinking water systems were Y2K compliant as of June 1999. Even these low numbers are optimistic: Of the approximately 55,000 U.S. drinking water utilities, less than 1 percent have responded to an Y2K industry survey. AMWA's two-question follow-up survey of 118 utilities in September was of little use because it failed to ask if respondents had completed the final, critical phases of testing and implementation. And the National Rural Water Association has not released any data to the public from its recent survey.

The prospects for wastewater treatment are even worse. The most recent survey of wastewater facilities, taken in July, indicated that only 4 percent were ready.

Recent government reassurances about the Y2K readiness of drinking water utilities have been based on a misreading of the industry data. The President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion and the Senate Special Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem have both said that, based on industry surveys, 92 percent of those responding are ``fully compliant.'' But e-mail correspondence from an AWWA representative indicates that this figure refers to the readiness of internal computer systems at the responding facilities, and not to the state of readiness of the utilities, themselves.

As for wastewater, the President's Council's final report inexplicably omitted the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies' survey showing that only 4 percent of these facilities were ready. In contrast, the Senate Committee's September report found AMSA's survey results ``a cause for great concern,'' and significant enough to conclude that ``we feel justified in saying we are alarmed by these statistics.''

A July 1999 General Accounting Office (GAO) telephone survey underscores the lack of preparation by water utilities. GAO polled 21 U.S. cities, and found that only five of the seventeen city-owned or -operated drinking or wastewater facilities were Y2K-ready.

[and those by self-reported phone poll]

``While we cannot predict which or how many systems, this data strongly indicates some drinking and wastewater facilities could have Y2K-related problems,'' says Norman Dean, Executive Director of the Center for Y2K and Society. ``We urge people not to panic, but to prepare -- by storing a gallon of water per person per day for approximately 10 days.''

Y2K-related problems at drinking-water utilities might cause loss of water supply or reduction in water pressure, lack of adequate treatment and possible release of toxic or hazardous substances. Wastewater facilities might discharge untreated sewage due to Y2K failures.

In a prepared statement, Erik Olson of NRDC warns that the Y2K problem may not be ``over'' on January 1, 2000. ``Data corruption, supply chain failures and gradual system degradation could cause service interruptions for months and even into the next year,'' he says.

In addition to recommending that consumers store water, the study urged that the following steps be taken:

* The Environmental Protection Agency should require states to update their legally mandated water emergency plans to include Y2K. The agency should also provide troubleshooting and resource teams to utilities needing assistance with their Y2K plans.

* The Senate Y2K committee should work with water trade associations and relevant government agencies to ensure that information regarding the Y2K status of individual water utilities is released to the public.

* Governors, mayors and local officials should immediately update their emergency drinking-water contingency plans to ensure they are prepared for Y2K.

* Government officials, journalists and citizens should ask their utilities the "10 Questions for Water Utilities Regarding Y2K" that are appended to the report and included in this release.

The Center for Y2K and Society -- a project of the Tides Center -- is a Washington-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce the possible societal impacts of the Y2K problem.

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, non-profit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has more than 400,000 members nationwide, served by offices in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco. More information on NRDC is available at its Web site, www.nrdc.org.

The full text of the report ``Y2K Risks in the Water Industry'' can be found at www.y2kcenter.org.

APPENDIX A

10 Questions for Water Utilities Regarding Y2K:

1. Have you completed your Y2K remediation, replacement, testing and contingency planning? If not, when will you be done?

2. Since industry experts have reported that independent outside Y2K auditors often identify many-fold more Y2K problems than on-site staff, can you tell me whether your Y2K assessment was done by outside auditors?

3. Do you have a contingency plan that covers what you will do in case of problems with the: (a) treatment plant; (b) distribution/collection system; (c) electrical supply; (d) telecommunications; or (d) chemical or other deliveries due to Y2K problems? Has it been tested in drills? Please provide me a copy.

4. How many hours/days can you provide water or sewer services without electricity?

5. Do you have Y2K-tested backup power generators? How long can they supply power without fuel deliveries or other replenishments? Do you have an agreement with the local electric utility that you are first in line in case of a power outage/brownout?

6. How long can you provide water/sewer services without deliveries of treatment chemicals, parts, or other necessities?

7. If your contingency plan relies upon manual operation, will you have adequate fully-trained staff at the plant to operate the plant manually at the time of the rollover? How long can those staff members operate the plant manually? Have you completed drills for all staff to assure that manual operation will work for an extended period?

8. How will the public-and especially vulnerable populations and their care providers-be notified if there is a Y2K problem? Do you have a notification plan that includes health clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and similar facilities?

9. What is your plan if there were to be a major spill of chemicals or sewage upstream of the drinking water intake? How long can the system provide safe drinking water if the source water becomes seriously contaminated?

10. Have you provided your customers with recommendations as to how to prepare for Y2K?

SOURCE: Center for Y2K and Society

-- Linda (lwmb@psln.com), December 10, 1999.

Detroit Water & Waste Management have said that they are ready for Y2k. Nothing can happen.They don't have computers. I am enclosing two negative statements to that response. The first is a press release issued on November 21 stating the purchase of new generators had taken place by Detroit Water & Waste Management. The second is from an engineeering company which announced that they are installing new computers as of Feb. 1997. Why would you buy generators if you did not have a concern but forget to mention this to the public?

SOURCE: Detroit Water & Sewerage Department City of Detroit Water & Sewerage Department Installs Diesel Generators for Standby Electric Power DETROIT, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD) is completing the installation of 44 diesel generators to supply its service area additional health and safety protection in the event of a power outage, Kathleen Leavey, Deputy Director announced today.

``The loss of our ability to treat and distribute portable water because of a power outage could have grave effects on the system,'' Ms. Leavey explained. ``As for water, an interruption in pumping would create air pockets in the pipes that could permit pipeline contamination from groundwater,'' she pointed out. ``And,'' she added, ``sewage could back up into basements and surface waters. The consequences to the environment, our health and the machinery in our plants could be devastating.''

``These standby power generators are another nail in the coffin of the Y2K bug,'' James Heath, Assistant Director Water Supply Operations, announced proudly. ``The concerns surrounding Y2K computer glitches were additional incentives driving this implementation,'' Mr. Heath explained. Mr. Heath further stressed that in its history, DWSD has never had a system wide failure.

DWSD head engineer K.V. Ramachandran explained that the 44, two- megawatt generators running 500 hours per year, the recommended limit, would generate enough electricity for a residential community of 50,000 people. ``In the end this helps the department's bottom line and our customers. This will go a long way toward offsetting the cost of implementation,'' Mr. Ramachandran further stated.

DWSD operates a water and sewerage system throughout the region. The water system serves 126 communities, covers 1,000 square miles with 1.5 billion gallons pumping capacity of fresh water per day, operates five water treatment plants; owns 22 water pumping stations and maintains 3,650 miles of water mains. The sewerage system serves 78 communities, covers 858 square miles, pumps 1.2 billion gallons of sewerage per day, maintains 14 sewerage-pumping stations, oversees three combined sewer overflow retention basins, and maintains more than 3,500 miles of sewer lines.

SOURCE: Detroit Water & Sewerage Department

I hate the lies and the rhetoric. If I can find these sites why can't the main stream press. Here is the second piece of news from Westin.City of Detroit Looks Ahead

---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), like all utilities, has invested in planning and building infrastructure throughout its history, like plants, water mains, sewers, and pumping stations. These facilities have been in place and in service for up to 150 years, in some cases.

Now DWSD is planning and building a new type of infrastructure: networks of computers. This new technology infrastructure, like the existing one of pipes and pumps, has only one purpose: to serve customers more effectively and efficiently. New infrastructure is being constructed in new buildings, renovated existing buildings, treatment plants, unmanned facilities, and throughout the distribution and collection systems.

DWSD is using digital telephones and radios, optical fiber, computers, and "smart" instrumentation. Meter reading will be electronic and on-line. Process control will be fully computerized, and rationally automated. Networks will be both local and wide, covering DWSD's service territory, and providing additional control and communication to neighboring communities that purchase water from the Department. Computer systems will be client/server and distributed across 16 staffed facilities, 30+ pumping stations, new facilities under construction, and via radio, over the entire 1,100 square mile service area.

From the technical side, DWSD's computing and communications initiatives are wide ranging and impressive. They show the breadth and depth to which the Department has gone to achieve its goals. The status ranges from projects just being defined to projects completed, but all are done as part of a master plan, which coordinates them as a part of a comprehensive strategy.

A closer look at DWSD's technology infrastructure, and a summary of the Department's and the City of Detroit's initiatives follows.

DWSD's personal computing and networking infrastructure program is replacing obsolete personal computers (PCs) and software, providing additional/new personal computing to DWSD employees, training PC users and system support staff, and building a Department-wide LAN/WAN that will support all DWSD computer users, and providing all DWSD employees with a standard suite of PC desktop software. This program allows the sharing of files and printers, electronic mail/messaging, and interfaces to other City of Detroit departments and computing systems.

In addition, this "desktop first" approach will lessen the impact of the new business application computer systems, by introducing DWSD's employees to personal computing and electronic mail in a measured dose. After receiving personal computer training, employees will be more familiar with modern computing tools. The training will be gradual and less daunting for both the users and the staff who provide system support, as employees will not have to learn both the new business applications and the PC desktop software at the same time.

While the actual list of DWSD technology initiatives is very lengthy, a top level summary of the projects which involve the acquisition and implementation of information technology will provide insights into the breadth and depth of DWSD's goals.

First, there are projects which are installing a "basic" technology infrastructure, including:

Department-wide telephone system replacement and communications network Interactive Voice Response Unit (IVRU) Computer and network infrastructure, in phased implementation Department-wide database licensing Digital microwave The DWSD engineering staff has implemented CAD systems, GIS projects, mapping projects, modeling of both water and wastewater systems, expert systems, and project tracking and monitoring systems. New technology has been used for the physical security of water and wastewater facilities, with card access, closed circuit TV, and surveillance systems. Maintenance has not been neglected, and service contracts are in place for systems support services, technical assistance, maintenance of specialized gear (e.g. gas detectors, data recorders, etc.), and audio and video equipment.

DWSD management recognizes the importance of standards in effectively implementing technology, and has adopted many international standards as well as de facto, or industry, standards for its computing systems and network. However, international standards are only one part of building information systems that work. DWSD has selectively merged those standards with its own standards, such as those for word processing and spreadsheets, database management system software, operating system software, control systems, and network components. DWSD is working on additional standards for document imaging/records management, portable document format, data backup and retrieval, network/system diagnostics, and remote computer operations and monitoring.

DWSD has always invested in "modern technology" to run its business. In the last century it was steam engines, telephones, and typewriters. Today, and in the next century, it is new communications and computer networks, new information systems and applications, and new control and monitoring systems, used in an enlightened and motivated organization. These modern computing systems are part of the new infrastructure for serving customers in the next century. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has mapped out its plan to take maximum advantage of the opportunities technology offers, and is excited and eager to get on with it.

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-- Ruth Edwards (REath29646@aol.com), December 10, 1999.