Plant Break-In Prompts Water Alert In Volusia (Florida)

WKMG-TV (Orlando) ^ | 1/14/03

[Heartlander2]

Thousands of residents in Debary, Fla., have been warned not to use tap water after a break-in at a water treatment plant, according to Local 6 News.

The water warning affects more than 4,200 people in DeBary,the southern end of Orange City and in some unincorporated areas.

Investigators said intruders broke through a security fence at the Glen Abbey Water Plant and removed a ladder access gate at one of the water storage tanks and a screen from another tank.

Authorities believe that the break-in happened over the weekend but officials did not announce the incident until late Monday night. The Volusia County Health Department is testing the water but are not sure if any water tampering took place.

The water will reportedly be tested for toxicity, pesticides, cyanide, and other elements, according to a report.

Tests on the water should be completed in a few days.

[Heartlander2]

I did not see this story posted earlier today, so hopefully it is still of interest to FReepers.

[caa26]

Does Ricin work effectively in water? How long does it take for the sypmtoms of Ricin poisoning to show?

But I'm thinking this is probably not terrorist related...

[doug from upland]

You will not get sick for 48 hours. Unfortunately, you must have a vaccine within 24 hours.

[anniegetyourgun]

Correct....all reports on this point to vandalism (included in a spree on other sites, widows, mailboxes, etc.). This appears to be a precautionary measure to test the water quality.

[BureaucratusMaximus]

Authorities believe that the break-in happened over the weekend but officials did not announce the incident until late Monday night. The Volusia County Health Department is testing the water but are not sure if any water tampering took place.

Doesn't that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?

[Centurion2000]

How long does it take for the sypmtoms of Ricin poisoning to show?

18-24 hours and ingested is the delivery method of choice with it.

[TBall]

I thought there was no antidote for ricin.

[Shermy]

Ping.

[caa26]

Thanks to everyone for the speedy answers.

I'm guessing that a semi-competent terrorist would try to be sure to contaminate the water supply without leaving evidence of a break-in.

[doug from upland]

I may not be correct about the 48 hours.

[EggsAckley]

But I'm thinking this is probably not terrorist related...

Whether is was done by middle eastern men or local high school kids, it's still terrorism. The point of terrorism is to terrify; I'm sure the consumers of that water ARE terrified.

[glock rocks]

REMEMBER

CAN PREVENT

FUNDRAISERS

.

PLEASE SUPPORT FREE REPUBLIC Donate Here By Secure ServerOr mail checks to FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794 or you can use PayPal at Jimrob@psnw.com STOP BY A BUMP THE FUNDRAISER THREAD

[FReepaholic]

>>...happened over the weekend but officials did not announce the incident until late Monday night....<<

That's probably because they DIDN'T KNOW it happened till someone got to work Monday.

So much for homeland security. Sheesh.

[cake_crumb]

Must have been Muslim terror...er....tourists. They sure are fascinated by reserviors and water treatment plants...

[Centurion2000]

I may not be correct about the 48 hours.

Not really a problem, but the bad news is that there is NO ANTIDOTE for Ricin poisoning.

[Amelia]

18-24 hours and ingested is the delivery method of choice with it.

When they were first talking about the British incident, they said it wouldn't be effective in water because it would be too diluted, and that inhalation or injection were the delivery methods of choice?

Google time, I guess....

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

But imagine if they did put Ricin in the water, and this were announced (even if it were stated that the levels were far, far too low to be dangerous). Don't you think that would cause a panic of sorts? Maybe the officials would keep it quiet unless it were truly dangerous. And I'm not so sure they'd be wrong to do so. They'd be preventing the hoped-for terror.

[Mixer]

Exactly! No pun intended ; )

[CdMGuy]

Why is it going to take a few days to test the water? As someone who has groundwater tested for polluting chemicals, I can tell you that if need be, you can have results back by the next day. In the meantime, everyone has to use bottled water for a few days.

[Amelia]

You could be right. Of course, there's the other point - despite our having been told for over a year now that our water supplies could be at risk, obviously some places are not taking the required precautions.