Blue Ridge confirmed this week that it’s taking new steps to increase security at several city facilities. The move is a response to the April break-in of a Murray County Water Facility. According to a report, the perpetrator entered the facility using a key and tampered with equipment controlling the amount of chlorine and fluoride added to the public water supply. Following the incident, chlorine and fluoride were at dangerous levels. Water affected by the level change, though, never left the holding wells, Pickens County Water Director Larry Coleman confirmed. He also said it’s standard practice for the FBI to investigate crimes related to public water supply. Immediately following the incident, a no-drink restriction was issued for a period of time. Also, the change in levels was promptly discovered by workers on the next shift.

The incident calls into question the security of near-by water facilities in North Georgia. In the wake of the September 11, 2001 Terror Attacks, authorities paid special attention to water facilities, conjecturing terrorist groups could poison water supplies. The Murray incident seems to have to drum up similar concerns, challenging the safety of water supply facilities in North Georgia.

This week Blue Ridge responded to the Murray Break-in during a work session Tuesday by reviewing quotes for security systems for city facilities, including city hall, the water treatment plant, and water tanks. The quotes range from $650 for city hall’s security system to over $14,000 for one for the Cutcane Rd. Water Tank. Mayor Donna Whitener recommended council having each respective company explain to council what they are offering before the city makes a decision.

Council Member Rodney Kendall confirmed that since the Murray incident similar situations have occurred in other parts of the county. Whitener said the city’s taking other precautions in addition to the installation of security systems.

“We also already have (police) officers patrolling those areas now,”

she said.

“And we’ve also asked the county to help us out patrolling out at the Mineral Bluff tank.”

Whitener called it a matter of being more cautious. No action was taken on the quotes.