Federal Order Clarification...

A federal order directing libraries to destroy CD copies of a public water supply database raised concerns about restricting information in the name of national security. Critics say ordering libraries to destroy public records goes beyond purging sensitive information from government Web sites. Federal officials ordered all libraries that received the discs to destroy them. The CD was compiled to help those researching improvements in water supply safety. The database contains no analysis of vulnerable points, but does document locations of critical infrastructure such as intake pipes. The USGS may later issue a more limited version. (Source: Water Technology Online, 10 December)