| Contact: Stephen M. Apatow December 29, 1999 President, Humanitarian Resource Institute Eastern USA: (203) 668-0282 Western USA: (775) 884-4680 Internet: http://www.humanitarian.net Email: sma@humanitarian.net PET OWNERS MUST PLAN FOR POTENTIAL Y2K RELATED WATER CONTAMINATION Y2K RISKS IN THE WATER INDUSTRY Excerpts from the report: At the household level, according to the GAO, an internal Y2K breakdown could result in tap water that was either overtreated or undertreated, or could lead to a significant loss of water pressure. The GAO also has warned of an “overflow of untreated sewage into public waterways.” It also is possible that a water system could be forced to shut down for hours or days. In addition, water utilities can be compromised by external Y2K problems. Delays in the delivery of treatment chemicals could leave a utility without the means to kill off microbial pathogens in drinking water. While some utilities are stockpiling extra chemicals, the AWWA has reported that many utilities cannot store more than a 15-day supply of certain chemicals. In any case, huge stockpiles of hazardous chemicals such as chlorine pose risks to surrounding communities. Citizens should: Ask their water system if it is Y2K compliant and has thorough contingency plans (see appendix “10 Questions for Water Utilities Regarding Y2K.”); Store sufficient water for 10 days, one gallon per person per day (see water storage recommendations in an appendix to this report). 10% are expected on January 1, 2000, 55% occurring throughout the next year. Download the full report from the Center for Y2K & Society: PDF: http://www.y2kcenter.org/resources/centerpubs/Y2Kwater.pdf
For additional information, visit the Preparedness &
Planning for Pets, Livestock and Wildlife Web Site at: December 29, 1999 Contact: Stephen M. Apatow PET OWNERS MUST PLAN FOR POTENTIAL Y2K RELATED WATER CONTAMINATION Y2K RISKS IN THE WATER INDUSTRY Excerpts from the report: At the household level, according to the GAO, an internal Y2K
breakdown could result in tap water that was either overtreated or undertreated, or could
lead to a significant loss of water pressure. The GAO also has warned of an
"overflow of untreated sewage into public waterways.” It also is possible
that a water system could be forced to shut In addition, water utilities can be compromised by external Y2K
problems. Delays in the delivery of treatment chemicals could leave a utility without the
means to kill off microbial pathogens in drinking water. While some utilities are
stockpiling extra chemicals, the AWWA has reported that many utilities cannot store more
than a 15-day supply of Citizens should: Ask their water system if it is Y2K compliant and has thorough contingency plans (see appendix “10 Questions for Water Utilities Regarding Y2K.”); Store sufficient water for 10 days, one gallon per person per day (see water storage recommendations in an appendix to this report). 10% are expected on January 1, 2000, 55% occurring throughout the next year. Download the full report from the Center for Y2K & Society: PDF: http://www.y2kcenter.org/resources/centerpubs/Y2Kwater.pdf
For additional information, visit the Preparedness & Planning for Pets, Livestock and Wildlife Web Site at: http://www.humanitarian.net/yedp.htm
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