I'm not sure if cpr simply cross-posts his rants, or saves some gems for my local forum. In any case, here is more of his analysis:

I read it. It is OUT AND OUT CRAP. If you give credence to a thing like this after trying to push the views of the AWWA, why not see what AWWA has to say about this now??

CALL YOUR LOCAL WATER AND SEWER PEOPLE AND GO OVER IT WITH THEM before you listen to the Trough Feeders in a "Think Tank" for Greenies in D.C. If I despise the Fringe Right you have NO IDEA of what contempt I hold for the LEFTISTS like this or the bad ones in Seattle last week. Save the trees, tax the people to death and then set up more power in DC with us in charge. Their solution to everything.

AND YOU LISTEN TO SUCH PARASITES???

COWS in East Texas Pastures leave better things on white paper than this nonsense re-circulated by that well known "Scientific Journal" the USA Today.

IF THERE WERE A CRISIS IN WATER IN THIS COUNTRY THERE WOULD BE PEOPLE PANICKED LOCALLY NOW.

RIGHT NOW. Everyone would know. People in the 55,000 assorted authorities or agencies couldn't POSSIBLY keep it hidden. As usual, that is the bottom line. Why don't the "insiders" sell and leave "areas at risks" (all un-named of course).

You keep buying 55 gallon drums and telling people to store water. It will be good for them.

However, the suggestions for water read like something from a Boy Scout Manual. To wit: have one gallon of water per person per day for 10 days?? If the average household useage YOU gave above from AWWA is 350 gallons per day,,,,,,,,,does that mean there are 350 people in each household?

These authors (UN-IDENTIFIED AND UN-CREDENTIALED)... wouldn't know a pump from a Pipe Joint (though I suspect the latter word is not unknown to them).

It is telling that in the Appendix there are 3 emails to and fron the "Center"'s consultant to the AWWA. There was one response from AWWA which covered the salient points of her first. Her "follow up" email questions went unanswered. In Washington, D.C. that is a way of telling people, we answered your questions and you have been "filed".

The whole West of the US and the Empire of Texas is dependent on Water. Always has been. Civilization anywhere depends on water.

From the Romans to us. You of course know that before power, water and sewerage was still possible. Rome at the time of Christ is an example of that.

CLUELESS would "dignify it". Most municipalities who are charged with delivering water and sewer services have they Y2k plans and if you go to web sites for such cities, towns, states, you will see more statements for water.

I posted the results of 4 major studies for California water and sewer authorities to lists and forums. The results were specific with "how we did it" and "what we have left to do. SIX MONTHS AGO.

But to someone like you GRASPING AT STRAWS, its "news". Even the Cut and Pastes from surfing are refs. to Summer dates. Its the sort of thing that Douglas Carmichael tried to pass off last year therefore it is no surprise to find him on this Org.'s "Advisory Board" or to find his "partner consultant" "on Staff".

I don't know why I read it because THERE WAS NO AUTHOR WITH CREDENTIALS STANDING BEHIND IT.

The "signed letter to the EPA" was dated in October and now they release this?? Who are they trying to KID??

This is a LEFTIST TWIST on the sort of thing that Adams just got nailed for by Mitch Ratcliffe. http://www.zdnet.com/enterprise/stories/zdy2k/news/0,6158,24 06695,00.htm

Instead there was a Front for the "Tides Foundation" in S.F. which is a large nice Waspy GREENIE Organization.

For the "Center for Y2k ..."(and grant seekers) we can find NO TECHNICAL CREDENTIALS for the person that USA Today called the "spokesperson".

IN short,,,,,,,YOU,,Hartsman could have done a better SURF "CUT AND PASTE".

That is what the "report" is.

And get this.

It gets announced in the media 3 weeks to the day before the End of the World of the Doom Zombies.........and it calls on the EPA to implement Y2k Checkpoints into its structure??

ARE THEY FOR REAL??

THE ORGANIZATION is BELTLINE "CONSULTANTS".

They know what it takes to get something like that done unless a direct order from the President or her husband come down.

THEREFORE, based on the LACK OF TECHNICAL REFERENCES and the "TIMING" FACTORS, one has to conclude that this "release" was a CYA to justify taking and using NATHAN CUMMINGS FOUNDATION MONEY.

Methinks Mr. Reuben is about to implode any day now. I truly wish him well. A vacation, however, is long overdue. I know he'll read this, so I hope he takes me up on that suggestion. Trust me, Charlie, it'll do you good.

-- Steve (hartsman@ticon.net), December 11, 1999

Answers

It's always refreshing to see a nice, calm, dispassionate statement about the Y2K situation from a man who is just overflowing with credentials of his own...

Ed

-- Ed Yourdon (ed@yourdon.com), December 11, 1999.

Steve,

I know he's been a pain in the ASCII for numerous Y2K forums... but.. WHO REALLY CARES WHAT "cpr" THINKS/RANTS?

(Or does it even think?)

;-D

So... how's your water Steve?

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), December 11, 1999.

Hey there Steve, might as well keep your blood pressue down bud -- you don't want to blow a gasket trying to deal with truth at this late date, do you?

Why get so upset anyway -- you finally getting worried deep down inside? By the way, do you have kids? If so, you might reconsider having a little "water insurance" around. They're recommending 1 gallon per person per day you know. You kids will appreciate it.

-- TA (sea_spur@yahoo.com), December 11, 1999.

...should have read your kids, Steve. Didn't mean to confuse you further.

-- TA (sea_spur@yahoo.com), December 11, 1999.

TA: Thanks, but your advice should be directed towards Mr. Charlie Reuben. I am simply passing along what he wrote on my local forum.

I'm pretty well stocked on water, but will definitely store more now.

-- Steve (hartsman@ticon.net), December 11, 1999.

My apology, Steve. In reading the intro too quickly, it seemed you didn't disagree with 'cpr'. So sorry for the errant assumption.

-- TA (sea_spur@yahoo.com), December 11, 1999.

I have a few 2 liter pepsi bottles that I saved over the last year. I'm cleaning them out with bleach and will fill them over the next couple weeks.

No cost for me.

My pal, the Baron, had some contractors run a bulldozer through his pond, they expanded it to 1/2 acre. This was fairly expensive but he's wanted to add an aquaculture experiment to his farm for 10 years now.

-- cory (kiyoinc@ibm.XOUT.net), December 11, 1999.

What are CPR's qualifications to judge this, except that he's a legend in his own mind?

-- o (o@o.com), December 11, 1999.

Steve: Thanks, I loved his post! Clear, logical, and very persuasive...

Cory: I've had this idea that you'd probably excell at: would you gather stories from people before-during-after the rollover, and what they went through? If no, I much understand, you're overworked as it is. I think somebody's GOT to tell everyone what happened (Larry Niven's LUCIFER'S HAMMER, except non-fiction). One last thing, thanks for being a big part of my y2k education--if I ever make it to DC, I'll gladly buy you a beer!

-- (Kurt.Borzel@gems8.gov.bc.ca), December 11, 1999.

[cpr calls water report "OUT AND OUT CRAP"]

If he can't distinguish the difference between potable water and pottie water then he probably won't be much fun to be around anyway. Seems as though he's begun to grasp at "straws" but soon he'll just be drawing "straws". The "straw" man cometh! As Ed would say (not ours) "Oh Dorathy, if I only had a brain"

Since we're on the city utility subject, I would like to offer the following. I have continually discounted the fear of major problems of sewage backing up into homes for the vast majority of us, because of the type of systems that service "most of us" I have also continually recommended that ones worries can be addressed by a qualified public works person (no fee), or a licensed plumber. But still in all, the general rule would be, it will out fall somewhere other than your basement or living quarters. Now the stinker, so to speak.

I recently realized that even good systems may be subject to forces outside the parameters of original design. To wit, the sewer system is vulnerable to creatures that don't follow the rules. They live, eat and thrive in the pipes below the streets and under our homes. If they become unable to use these conduits because of flooding conditions, they traverse up the lines, and may become unwelcome inhabitants of our domiciles. I know you can see where this is headed so I'll cut the rest short and just remind you that the most effective device for safety and security from either threat in a back flow prevention device. I have posted several times about them, as have others. If this is a concern for you then, you have some more quick study ahead. Personally, I will be getting one this weekend.

Respectfully

Michael (and I used to really like Mickey, Minnie and the boys, but I hated that Splinter and TMNT crap}

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), December 11, 1999.

Michael! We're planning a backflow fest with you for next weekend! [ If we're still in the body :-P ]

the fear that won't subside ... gonna stop it once and for all
installation ahoy

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), December 11, 1999.

Ahhh, another infest to rest fest, 'm looking forward to it. I think?

Looking forward to some last minute preps with you for SURE!

Mikey hates rats, rackets, and ratkateers! :^}`X~~

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), December 12, 1999.

Rick Cowles, on MSNBC, said the report is based on dated information.

-- for real (for@real.com), December 12, 1999.

I've been following what's been happening (and not happening) in the water industry for the last two years. I have spoken with hundreds of plant operators and plant managers. I am aware of numerous facilities that are taking Y2k very seriously. However for every one working hard to address the internal and external Y2k issues, there are 10 or more who are not. For many, Y2k remediation consists of checking a manufacturer's web site for a product compliance statement. Many others have heard that less than 2% of embedded systems are expected to fail, and believe that "fix-on-failure" is a viable option.

I have read the report and agree with the findings and recommendations. Mr. Rueben said "IF THERE WERE A CRISIS IN WATER IN THIS COUNTRY THERE WOULD BE PEOPLE PANICKED LOCALLY NOW.

RIGHT NOW. Everyone would know. People in the 55,000 assorted authorities or agencies couldn't POSSIBLY keep it hidden. As usual, that is the bottom line. Why don't the "insiders" sell and leave "areas at risks" (all un-named of course)".

This seems rather silly - numerous water systems would have had to fail before there would be a crisis. I would guess that 45,000 of the 55,000 agencies aren't hiding anything, since they really believe that they are ready for the rollover.

Most waste treatment depends on electricity, telecommunications, natural gas, chemicals, and on equipment that contains embedded microprocessors. It also requires that the waste water being treated will be free of toxic chemicals (this was all explained in the report). In other words, waste treatment is very complex. It seems simplistic,IMHO, to believe that all these components will function perfectly after the rollover.

I have to agree with Mr. Rueben that the timing of the report is a little late to be helpful to the industry. However, it isn't too late to encourage folks to stock up on water and to obtain a good water filter. I believe that even if water is available at your tap, there will be a high probability that it won't be potable for some time. Mr. Reuben discounts the entire report because the authors haven't listed their technical credentials. I don't think it requires technical knowledge to see that current data about the readiness of the water industry doesn't support the optimistic statements made by government or the media. Mr. Reuben apparently won't be stocking up for anything more than the weekend. I hope his neighbors have prepared, and that he's on good terms with them.

Michael

-- Michael (mhgentry@prodigy.net), December 12, 1999.

I have been through three major hurricanes. Power was out for over a week twice. Water was NEVER disrupted. Even though water facilities can experience problems, there are very few, if any, which would prevent water grom continuing to flow. Relax.

-- for real (for@real.com), December 12, 1999.

It may well last for a lot longer than a week, for real, for@real. Are you prepared to acquire this priceless staple if it does? Or are you just 'hoping' it can't last longer than anything you've ever experienced before? It's only life and death here. Perhaps you may want to reconsider your position and at least consider the stakes/consequences. Check the archives on the Timebomb 2000 Prep board, ...please.

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), December 12, 1999.

for real:

Have you read the repo rt? I recommend you read the following sections (copied from the table of contents, not likely to format):

II. HOW ARE WATER SYSTEMS VULNERABLE TO Y2K PROBLEMS? 9 A. What is a Y2K-related incident? 9  Internal Y2K failures  Y2K remediation or replacement  Y2K testing of systems or contingency plans  External failures B. Where are Y2K problems found in internal systems? 9  Communications infrastructure systems  Facilities and support systems  Instruments and ancillary systems  Materials tracking systems  Production and process systems  Business systems C. Where are Y2K problems found in external systems? 11  Power outages or brownouts could compromise service  Utilities need reliable communications systems  Supply chain failures could delay delivery of needed chemicals, fuel and equipment parts  Toxic releases and spills could contaminate drinking water and compromise treatment

Be careful about oversimplifying the nature of the threat. Stocking up on water now should be one of the easiest things anyone can do, but you still have to decide to do it.

-- Steve (hartsman@ticon.net), December 12, 1999.

Agreed Michael, I'll add that MOST folks don't really know where the water they drink comes from. Aquifers are generally dependant on a clean natural filtering soils system to provide us with our life giving resource. Contaminate the filter, and your drinking unspeakables. Many cities use free flowing rivers and tributaries in processing potable water for the masses. Where are most of the wastewater tretment facilities? You guessed it, on the rivers and tributaries. What happens when a facility has a ?routine failure? The raw sewage gets dumped overboard into the river for a while. How long do you think officials will let the water meters to keep churning after a large crisis in wastewater? They can't wait too long or it becomes a self fulfilling debacle. How long can the wastewater plant keep running if the water is off in a major portion of the system? Not very long because the treatment process is highly dependant on balance. See, it's systemic too!

By the way, I've been wondering, how long does it take to find and replace an embedded malfunctioning chip anyway? How does it happen?

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), December 12, 1999.

"cpr calls water report "OUT AND OUT CRAP"" CPR isn't the only one...

http://www.awwa.org/k

-- CD (not@here.com), December 12, 1999.

Are you predicting there will be no Y2K-related water problems, CD? You're taking quite a responsibility on your hands by discouraging what the American Red Cross is encouraging.

-- Bottled water (and@canned.goods), December 12, 1999.

Well will wonders never cease. Thanks CD, I've been looking for that special report to help those still questioning the validity of storing a little extra water, and most importantly, learning to acquire more of it on a regular basis! Never thought of you as a GI before, that is unless your meaning of "contingency planning" is different than the rest of the civilized world.

For research and educational purposes only;

Y2K: Contingency Planning Y2K Main Page

D R A F T

Y2K CONTINGENCY PLANNING A PROGRAM FOR WATER UTILITIES

The following information is provided by the American Water Works Association to assist water utilities in preparation for emergencies that may occur due to service disruptions during the rollover from December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000. This information is not intended to be a definitive answer or solution for any utility, but only one source of guidance as the utility prepares its own unique Y2K Contingency Plan.

Y2K is rapidly approaching, it has become clear that many computer controlled systems may not be ready for disruptions that may occur as incorrectly programmed computers provide incorrect data or cause system failures, including complete shutdown. It is essential that all water systems develop and implement a systematic review of their equipment and operations using the widely available advice of inventory, assessment, repair or replacement, and testing all automated systems. However, it is just as important that all systems also prepare a contingency plan to handle any and all disruptions or failures that may occur due to circumstances beyond their own control, or due to failure or oversight in correcting all problems within their own system.

Contingency planning is a regular component of all well managed water systems. Emergency preparedness and disaster recovery are essential in an operation that a community relies upon for 24-hour service, 365 days a year, and that is essential to the public health of the community. Including Y2K contingency planning in the regular emergency plans of a water utility are the easiest way to make sure all the bases are covered. There will be additional elements not included in your conventional emergency plan that will need to be covered, but using an existing program as a starting point can save considerable time.

Contingency planning is really planning for the worst case scenario. If you begin with a philosophy that everything that can go wrong will go wrong, and prepare a plan to handle that situation, you will be prepared - whether or not some things actually do go right! If you have been preparing for Y2K """as you should be"""" [HELLO CD] , many of the potential problems have already been fixed. Computer codes have been revised; new software and hardware have been installed and tested to make certain they will run in the year 2000 and will provide correct data; and you have assurances from your suppliers they are also ready for Y2K. Now you need to forget that all that time and energy have been invested and plan as if none of those fixes were in place. Remember, you are looking for the worst case scenario.

GETTING STARTED

Where do you start? Begin your contingency planning with a business plan. What are your critical missions? What has to happen for your organization to be successful? What are the risks if those critical processes fail? You must also have a commitment from the management of your organization to solve these issues. The leaders, whether they are stockholders or the city council, the board or the mayor, must understand the crucial nature of your business, must understand the risk of failure, and must be willing to commit the financial resources, time and personnel to preparing properly.

You shoudl then assess all of your business processes and perform a task similar to the decision-making process used in army field hospitals called triage. Dividing everything into categories of 1) "unable to provide medical help," 2) "critical medical help needed to save life," and 3) "needs medical help, but can survive for short time without," doctors are able to make certain their efforts are spent on achieving the maximum positive outcome. Likewise, you must look at your systems to determine which processes are necessary for you to complete your critical missions.

Critical - those tasks that are directly related to accomplishing the central missions of the organization

Important - those tasks that are needed for the long term operation of the organization, but that can be worked around for a short time, and

Non-critical - those tasks that could be eliminated from the operation without interfering with the long term viability of the organization.

Following triage, you should then determine the classification of the fix that will be applied to each system. From Ladner and Leake (JAWWA, Feb. 1999), the following classification is useful.

Y2K Contingency Classification Classification Meaning Elimination The system or application is no longer needed and can be discarded Delay Conversion of the system or application can be delayed Bearable The consequences of not converting the system or application can be endured Trade-off Not converting the system or application incurs less trouble Not mission-critical Failure of the system or application does not have a substantive effect on the utility Mission-critical Failure to convert the system or application poses dire consequences for the utility

Remember that Y2K contingency applies to all operations of the organization, not just those that are automated. Failure of supply chains, or even the ability of personnel to communicate or arrive at a duty station can have just as serious a consequence on the utility operation. Therefore all operations and procedures of the utility should be reviewed to ensure they that will function properly, or that a backup plan is in place to work around any failure.

Just like your emergency preparedness plan, you must document your Y2K contingency plan for it to be successful. Copies of the plan should be distributed and available to all employees. Supervisors should review the plan with employees and need to make certain everyone understands utility policies on implementation: who has authority to implement key steps, what approval is required to move from routine operation to emergency operation, etc.

Most utilities find it helpful to form a team of individuals from the most critically affected departments. These should include individuals who understand the big picture of the utility operation so no operations are overlooked.

REVIEWING UTILITY PROCESSES

Break the utility into small, manageable operations so that each process or operation can be reviewed in detail. While the Y2K Team should retain overall responsibility for the contingency plan, employees most familiar with each operational step should be involved in helping to create the specific plan for their area. Make certain that operations that bridge between units of the organization don't get orphaned by two managers, each thinking the other is covering that process.

Review each operation with the following questions in mind:

What is the most critical function of this operation? What is the most probable way this function may fail? In what other ways might it fail? What processes or operations will be affected by its failure? Can the process be fixed or modified to prevent failure? How can we perform the same function another way? Is that method also subject to failure? Can this work-around be permanent, or does another permanent fix need to be designed? What resources will we need to implement the contingency? Financial? Personnel? Other resources? Who else needs to be aware of the alternatives implemented? Do we need standby resources, or can we implement after failure?

DESIGNING CONTINGENCY PROCESSES

Make certain that the contingency plan is focused on the most critical needs of the organization. Also prepare a plan that is as simple as possible and which can be implemented with a minimum of automated processes. Remember, it does no good to fix one problem by creating another.

Every utility is unique, from the source of supply to the distribution system, and every process in between. It is impossible to mention every possible variation, but the following list includes many of the processes that must be evaluated. Your utility may not use all of these, or it may include other processes not included here. Some communities will handle some of these processes through centralized departments, or may contract the services out. Regardless of who performs these functions, it is essential that a contingency plan be developed for the critical missions. If you don't handle the function, make certain that those responsible have built a contingency plan that takes your concerns into account.

Critical Processes

Raw Water Supply Power supply Telemetry/Control System Manual Override

Transmission System Pressure/Flow Valve Controls Pumping Station Power Monitoring/Telemetry System Manual Operation

Treatment Processes Flow Control Chemical Feed Systems Flow Splitters Mixing Controls Sludge Collection Controls Backwash Controls Monitoring/Feedback Control Processors Power Supply Telemetry System Manual Override Possibilities

Customer Service and Account Management Meter Reading System Billing System Complaint Management Delinquent Account Management

Human Resource Management Payroll and Time Accounting Overtime Policy Emergency Vacation/Holiday Policy Work Order Management Health and Safety Management Security

Fiscal and Financial Management Revenue Collection Accounts Payable System Banking and Debt Service Purchasing System - Routine and Emergency Information Management Central Mainframe Computer Operations Distributed (PC) Computing Network System Communication System (wire, wireless, radio)

Chemical Supply Storage Capacity/Stockpile Areas Alternative Chemicals or Suppliers Alternative Shipping Arrangements

Distribution System High Service Pump Controls High Service Power Supply Telemetry System Manual Operation Requirements Distribution Booster Stations Chemical (disinfection) Booster Equipment Valve Control SCADA System Monitoring Equipment Customer Owned Booster Pumps Fire Control Service

Water Resource Management Water Quality Control System Water Quantity Control System Telemetry System

Engineering Database Protection System Mapping/Locating Capabilities (without automation)

Fleet Services Vehicle Maintenance Fuel Services

Facilities Heating/Air Conditioning System Elevators Electronic Locks and Controls

If the utility is a joint water and wastewater operation, similar functions need to be considered for all of the wastewater operations.

TESTING

Like the changes to the computer systems made in response to the Y2K issue, the new components of the contingency plan should be tested. Everyone recognizes that Emergency Plans should be periodically tested to ensure they result in the desired outcomes in a true emergency. Likewise, the Y2K Contingency Plan needs to be operated under controlled conditions to ensure it gets the proper results. Additional testing can be done under less controlled (more surprise) conditions, as long as the safety and security of the water supply is maintained throughout all test conditions. Putting safety at risk is not acceptable in an attempt to make the "emergency" as real as possible, even though some people may advocate a completely "true" test of the system.

COMMUNICATION

It is essential that water utilities communicate their entire Y2K planning process to employees and customers. All stakeholders in the utility, which includes the above in addition to outsiders such as neighbors, public interest groups, upstream and downstream users of the same water resources, regulatory agencies, etc., need to be informed of the status of the utility's plans and preparations.

Home ) 1999 American Water Works Association. Charles W. Berberich, Webmaster Torey Lightcap, Deputy Webmaster Revised: Wednesday, August 04, 1999 10:04:22

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), December 12, 1999.

This is BTW, listed as a NEW posting to the link you so generously supplied, again, many thanks.

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), December 12, 1999.