Frequently Asked Questions about security
The safety and security of Santa Clara County’s drinking water from terrorism

Q: What is being done to secure the county’s public water system from terrorism?
A: Santa Clara County’s water resources management agency, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and all the private and publicly owned retail water agencies in the county are working with national, state and local intelligence organizations and law-enforcement agencies to safeguard the water supply. Specifically, the water district has instituted the following measures:

• Around-the-clock presence of security guards at all water district treatment plants.
  Video monitoring at all key facilities.
• Intrusion detection and alarm systems at all key facilities.
• Daily inspection of key facilities.
• General increase in already heightened security procedures such as identification for employees and visitors.
• Suspension of public tours at key facilities.
• Continuing emphasis on security at staff briefings.
• Revised security procedures, including district response to bomb threats.
• Testing to ensure that water quality continues to exceed required federal and state standards.

Q: Why haven’t you posted guards at the county’s reservoirs?
A: Although intelligence information shows that the reservoirs are not likely targets for terrorism, the water district has increased its reservoir security patrols. The reservoirs are primarily used to replenish underground aquifers, so damage to them would have no immediate impact on customers. And because of the large amount of water in each reservoir, only an enormous amount of contaminant would cause any harm.

Q: What about the aqueducts?
A: The California Highway Patrol is providing aerial surveillance of the entire California Aqueduct system including the South Bay Aqueduct. Water coming to Santa Clara County from this aqueduct is treated before it is piped to homes and businesses.

Q: We’ve been hearing a lot about anthrax contamination. Could someone contaminate our drinking water with anthrax?
A: Although national and state health officials are still gathering information, the latest data suggests that anthrax is not a viable threat to public drinking water systems. We have no evidence that anyone has ever been infected with anthrax through drinking water. More information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov; the state Department of Health Services, www.dhs.ca.gov, and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, www.sccphd.org.

Q: Is there a water-filtration system I should use in my home to protect my family from contamination?
A: Again, based on the latest information available, biological contaminants – including anthrax – are not likely to be found in our water supply. In addition, our treatment processes are very effective at eliminating risks of infection from biological constituents. Home water-filtration systems primarily affect the taste of water, not its safety.

Q: If something were to happen, how would we find out?
A: In the advent of an emergency, the district and the water companies would immediately contact law enforcement, local health officials and the local news media to notify the public of any troubles and, if appropriate, inform residents what they need to do.

Q: How can we help protect the county’s drinking water?
A: In these times of extraordinary events, law enforcement officials are asking everyone to be extra vigilant in day-to-day activities. It is recommended that you pay extra attention to your surroundings. If you see a suspicious activity or person around storm drains, fire hydrants, the reservoirs, water treatment plants or other water facilities, call your local police department by dialing 9-1-1.