Security enhancements under way for

"Aquathin OP-ED Commentary"

     This quick read discusses the added scope of water security in New York City. This is "reactive" and not "proactive" and we must understand this type of action must be taken at every municipal level where large populations of U.S. citizens AND democratic countries that are friends of U.S. citizens reside.

What cannot be secured is the infrastructure from municipal plant to your tap. That is why its up to each and everyone of us to protect our families and businesses with the very best in home water security. I love my Aquathin !

Security enhancements under way for NYC water

      CARMEL, NY Pushing ahead with plans to fortify key water facilities here, New York City officials are asking to top a 10-foot high fence with jagged razor wire.  In addition, the city Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) plans to build a bulletproof glass guard booth at the point along the West Branch Reservoir where half of its water supply is carried south by aqueducts, the Journal News reported.

DEP spokesman Geoff Ryan said the agency was working with the FBI and the US Environmental Protection Agency on security upgrades even before 11 September raised concerns about terrorist attacks on public water supplies, the newspaper reported.  "We will add different kinds of security methods, including fencing and a variety of other things, much of which we don't want to talk about," he told the newspaper.  Defense of public water supplies has become a priority, with increased fears about terrorists using biological or chemical weapons to poison the water supply.  The more legitimate threat, officials have said, is that terrorists may try to destroy a supply's infrastructure.

According to the article, the Delaware aqueduct handles 50 percent of the city's water. About 9 million people drink city water, including 90 percent of Westchester County's residents and 10 percent of those in Putnam County.  Plans for the project also include a guard station outside the brick building to be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, along with a stone-faced, concrete wall and a new driveway blocking easy access to the site.

In October, the DEP set aside $35 million to improve security around its water supply in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

FOR THE BEST TASTE IN LIFE

Think Aquathin...AquathinK!!

Edited from Tech Bank 7/24/02