Orlando Water Supply Threatened
Security at production plants stepped up beyond post-Sept. 11 levels
May 20, 2002
By Susan Jacobson, Sentinel Staff Writer
Security was tightened Sunday at Orange County drinking-water plants after the FBI received a threat against the Orlando-area water supply.
Law-enforcement officials said the water remains safe, but they wanted to alert the public as a precaution.
"We know the FBI is working on it," said Orange Sheriff Kevin Beary, co-chairman of the Central Florida Domestic Security Task Force. "We know the federal authorities are working on it."
Beary and task force co-chairwoman Joyce Dawley described the threat as vague and unsubstantiated. They would not reveal details about how or where it was lodged.
"We want to make sure we have every opportunity to catch the individuals who did this," said Dawley, also regional director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Security at Orlando-area water-production plants was stepped up Sunday beyond post-Sept. 11 levels, said Charlie Wright, director of security for the Orlando Utilities Commission, which operates eight plants in Orlando. Orange County runs two plants outside city limits, he said. Up to 2 million residents and visitors use water from the plants, officials said.
Water samples were taken, but the threat was so vague that workers could not test for a specific toxin, Wright said. The water normally is tested daily, he said.
"There is no indication that we have problems in the city of Orlando," Wright said.
Making threats against a government facility is a crime, Dawley said. There is no indication of why Orlando was targeted, other than perhaps its reputation as a tourist destination, she said.
Public-health officials also have been notified, said Orlando police Chief Jerry Demings.
Police ask anyone who sees suspicious activity at a water plant, well or other public-works facility to call 911.
Susan Jacobson can be reached at 407-931-5946 or sjacobson@orlandosentinel.com.
Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel
Orlando Water Supply Threatened
Security at production plants stepped up beyond post-Sept. 11 levels
May 20, 2002
By Susan Jacobson | Sentinel Staff Writer
Security was tightened Sunday at Orange County drinking-water plants after the FBI received a threat against the Orlando-area water supply.
Law-enforcement officials said the water remains safe, but they wanted to alert the public as a precaution.
"We know the FBI is working on it," said Orange Sheriff Kevin Beary, co-chairman of the Central Florida Domestic Security Task Force. "We know the federal authorities are working on it."
Beary and task force co-chairwoman Joyce Dawley described the threat as vague and unsubstantiated. They would not reveal details about how or where it was lodged.
"We want to make sure we have every opportunity to catch the individuals who did this," said Dawley, also regional director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Security at Orlando-area water-production plants was stepped up Sunday beyond post-Sept. 11 levels, said Charlie Wright, director of security for the Orlando Utilities Commission, which operates eight plants in Orlando. Orange County runs two plants outside city limits, he said. Up to 2 million residents and visitors use water from the plants, officials said.
Water samples were taken, but the threat was so vague that workers could not test for a specific toxin, Wright said. The water normally is tested daily, he said.
"There is no indication that we have problems in the city of Orlando," Wright said.
Making threats against a government facility is a crime, Dawley said. There is no indication of why Orlando was targeted, other than perhaps its reputation as a tourist destination, she said.
Public-health officials also have been notified, said Orlando police Chief Jerry Demings.
Police ask anyone who sees suspicious activity at a water plant, well or other public-works facility to call 911.
Susan Jacobson can be reached at 407-931-5946 or sjacobson@orlandosentinel.com.
Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel
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