On September 11, 2001, a tragic event occurred that made all Americans aware of the need for heightened security. The water industry is no exception.

During the Y2K assessment, Davidson Water, Inc., made improvements to our computer system software security, and the system that controls pumps and tank levels; installed generators for backup power; and made overall improvements to our water plant and office facilities.

Since September 11, we've made our water plant even more secure. The total plant area is fenced, additional lighting has been installed, all gates are locked, and a sliding electric gate will be used for entry. Raw water is sampled every four hours, and finished water every hour, with continuous monitoring for chlorine, turbidity, and other checks. To continue using chlorine as a disinfectant, we went through an extensive risk management process required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the state, and the FBI. Chlorine is one of the most effective disinfectants used to fight possible contaminants injected into our water. Many other systems had to switch disinfectants, and are now in the process of trying to switch back to chlorine. As a precautionary measure, we will keep chlorine levels higher than usual. We have also added additional chlorine contact points to ensure continual chlorination. Water lines will be flushed more often, and more testing will be done out in the distribution system. Water levels in water tanks may be lowered and raised more often to better maintain chlorine levels. This could cause more pressure differential than usual.

All chemicals that are added and used for purification purposes must strictly adhere to our policies, such as requiring notification from the chemical plant before the chemicals leave the plant, the driver's name, identification from the driver, and sealed chemical containers, along with other security measures.

All of our employees who work outside the plant are required to have the Davidson Water, Inc., emblem and name tag. Picture IDs will be implemented shortly for all employees. All vehicles have our emblems on them. All employees have received instructions about and have a better awareness of potential hazards.

All water tanks are fenced or slated to be fenced. In addition, we have ladder guards, to prevent someone from climbing up a tank, and other security.

The Davidson County Sheriff's Office is providing additional security at our plant and throughout our system. We have set up contacts with other utilities along the Yadkin River, so anything out of the ordinary will be immediately passed on to the other utilities from Kerr Scott Dam to Salisbury. The FBI also has direct contact with us for immediate notification of any terrorism act involving water systems and any other pertinent information that we should be aware of.

Davidson Water, Inc., is a member of the North Carolina Rural Water Association, the National Rural Water Association, and the American Water Works Association. All of which keep us informed of the latest technology for testing and preventing contamination to a water system.

Davidson Water, Inc. will do everything humanly possible to assure a safe water supply. Please report any suspicious activities associated with the water system to our office, at 731-2341, 764-2534, or 475-8229; the water plant, at 787-5800; the Sheriff's Office, at 242-2100; or call 911.

With your help, we'll keep our water system safe and secure for all users: residential, commercial, industrial, churches, and schools.

May God bless and keep us all.