Y2K Preparations Have Positive Impact on Detroit's Water & SewerageOperations; Utility Remains Vigilant in 2000

DETROIT, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Fears of widespread system failure during the December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000 calendar rollover evaporated for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department as the new year arrived and water services flowed into January without incident.

With the exception of several water main breaks -- a normal winter occurrence -- DWSD entered the new millennium with business operations as usual.

Kathleen Leavey, DWSD Deputy Director and Y2K Executive Sponsor, attributed the department's good fortune to DWSD's Y2K initiative -- an intensive, multi-faceted effort beginning in 1997 during which DWSD spent more than $50-million and assessed the operational capabilities of each of its many components while upgrading critical systems in preparation for the year 2000. This initiative involved working in concert with local, state and federal organizations and participating on the Southeast Michigan Y2K Utility Forum.

"DWSD believes that the extensive effort was merited and feels that we were rewarded by a stress-free rollover on December 31, 1999 - January 1, 2000," she said.

Leavey stressed that the department remains vigilant and continues to monitor all systems in anticipation of any disruptions that could still occur during the year 2000.

DWSD continues to advocate emergency preparedness measures for its 4 million customers. "I'd like to think that Y2K increased everyone's awareness of the importance of planning for unforeseen circumstances," Leavey said.

The department thanks all customers in the 1,000 square mile DWSD service area for their cooperation during the rollover. More information about emergency preparedness measures can be found on DWSD's web site at http://www.dwsd.org . In addition, the department's Y2K hotline, 313-964-9562, will remain in service until further notice.

SOURCE Detroit Water & Sewerage Department

-- Edward R. (somewhere@the.morrow), January 13, 2000