V-1

Failing Water System

V-2

DRINKING WATER SCENARIO16 Feb 1998

• Papers report major “Flu” outbreak in Riga during cold spell; major symptoms are fever and intestinal upsets.

• Water system upgrade for Riga, dependent on outside funds, has run out of money.

• A multi-national committee is meeting in Stockholm to decide on a venue for the newly formed Hanseatic Games - two finalists are Tallinn and Riga. Winner will gain a very profitable tourist event. Decision on 20 Feb.

V-3

DRINKING WATER SCENARIO16 Feb 1998 (Continued)

• Riga chief health officer advises mayor of Riga that recent sickness in Riga might not be flu. Preliminary tests show water filter system failing, and bacterial count of water high. He notes that these results show no immediate “serious” danger to healthy people.

• More definitive tests to be completed 24 hours.

• Riga health officials advise national health ministry that city is considering three options.– Wait for test results and do nothing?

– Make a public announcement to boil water?

– Seek outside advice before taking action?

V-4

DRINKING WATER SCENARIO16 Feb 1998 (Continued)

• Health ministry notifies Foreign Ministry of Riga’s problem.

• Foreign ministry staff expresses concern that public notice of a water supply risk in Riga will kill the country’s chance of hosting the Hanseatic Games. – They recommend a go-slow approach and no

public notice for the moment. – City health officials urge an immediate public

declaration of the problem.