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Computer Flaw Makes Water Undrinkable

Event Year
1998
Reliability
Likely But Unconfirmed
Country
United States
Industry
Water/Waste Water

Description

A computer glitch shut down the chlorination system and caused the chlorine content of the city water to drop below the safety threshold, affecting 40,000 residents.

Impact

This occurred during the night and was not discovered until a routine check 14 hours later. Notices were then sent out to 9,000 homes advising people ‘to boil the water before drinking.’