September 16, 2004
Water Security Public Service Announcement
From Richard Welch, General Manager, Clarksburg Water Board

Water Watchers

The Clarksburg Water Board needs your help to protect our local drinking water system. In support of Homeland Security, we invite the community to take an active and important role in protecting our critical water resources from potential terrorist/criminal related tampering.

Because utilities are often located in isolated areas, drinking water sources may cover large areas that are difficult to secure and patrol. Residents can help by noticing and reporting any suspicious activity in and around local water utilities. Any resident interested in protecting their water resources and community can join Water Watchers, a community watch group being organized by the Clarksburg Water Board to report suspicious activity. Contact Richard Welch at 623-3711 to find out how you can get involved. Volunteers will be properly educated in the detection and proper reporting of suspicious activity occurring in and around local water utilities.

WATER SECURITY:
Water Security is a shared responsibility involving water suppliers, government, law enforcement and citizens. We can all be involved in Homeland Security by playing an important role in protecting our critical water resources.

PROBLEM:
Local drinking water systems may be targets for terrorist and other would-be criminals wishing to disrupt and cause harm to your community water supplies.

SOLUTION:
Residents can be educated to notice and report any suspicious activity, in and around local water utilities. Interested and dedicated citizens are essential to increase the security eyes and ears in your community.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED?
Any resident interested in protecting their water resources and community as a whole can join Water Watchers.

BE ALERT.
Get to know the Clarksburg Water Board, their vehicles, routines and their personnel.

BECOME AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
This will help you to recognize suspicious activity as opposed to normal daily activities.

EXAMPLES of suspicious activity might include:

• Dumping or discharging material to a water reservoir
• Unauthorized individuals climbing or cutting a utility fence, climbing on water tanks, photographing/videotaping utility facilities/structures/equipment, loitering around locks or gates after business hours
• Unidentified vehicles parked or loitering near waterway or facilities for no apparent reason
• Suspicious opening of or tampering with manhole covers, water meters, fire hydrants, buildings, or equipment

Get involved today and help the Clarksburg Water Board ensure a safer tomorrow for our community. We're all in this together.

To report an incident dial 911 or call the Clarksburg Water Board at 623-3711 during regular business hours or 624-5467 after hours.

 

CLARKSBURG WATER BOARD
A Municipal Corporation Serving Clarksburg Since 1887