Vulnerability of Water Supplies to BW Agents

Item Details

Title

Vulnerability of Water Supplies to BW Agents

Topics

The Public Health Service at Camp Detrick was asked to look at the vulnerability of water works systems to attack with BW.

Date

1952

Conclusions

Distribution systems are the most vulnerable because of their widespread accessibility whereas water treatment plants are more easily guarded. There is uncertainty about the efficacy of standard water treatments; sand filters and chlorine might be useful but need further testing.

Files

Source

US Public Health Service Liaison Officer. Letter to Dr. Charles R. Phillips, Chief PD Division; "Vulnerability of Water Supplies to BW Agents." August 28, 1952.

Citation

“Vulnerability of Water Supplies to BW Agents,” Collection of Biothreat Risk Assessments (COBRA), accessed January 15, 2025, https://cobrabiosecurity.org/items/show/398.