An explosive device was discovered underwater at an Alabama dam that supplies drinking water to an entire city, triggering a massive emergency response involving the FBI Bomb Squad and Homeland Security.
The frightening discovery happened Wednesday at the Converse Reservoir dam in Mobile County, Alabama, during routine underwater maintenance work.
Divers inspecting the dam reportedly found what authorities described as a “grenade-type” improvised explosive device, also known as an IED, sitting underwater near the base of the structure.
Officials immediately launched a major multi-agency response after the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office was notified about the device.
Bomb squads, law enforcement agencies, and emergency crews rushed to the scene as experts worked to safely recover the explosive before it could pose a threat to the dam or surrounding community.
Authorities later removed the device from the water and safely detonated it on land away from the reservoir.
Thankfully, nobody was injured.
Officials have not revealed exactly how the explosive ended up underwater, but bomb experts reportedly believe the device may have been intentionally built and placed there.
“Our top priority is keeping your drinking water safe,” said Bud McCrory, director of the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.
“This is an unprecedented threat, and we are fortunate that this device was discovered before it could cause serious damage to our water supply or harm to individuals,” he added.
The Converse Reservoir dam and nearby Big Creek Lake are considered federally protected critical infrastructure because they supply drinking water to Mobile and surrounding areas.
The dam reportedly holds around 17 billion gallons of water.
Because of the potential threat to public infrastructure, the incident was referred to the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials say the water supply itself was never compromised.
The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System also confirmed there are surveillance cameras monitoring activity around the dam.
Public relations manager Monica Allen said workers are frequently present at the site, making the discovery especially alarming.
“There are homes in that area, so you just don’t know,” Allen said.
“We live in a different kind of world now.”
Authorities say no suspects have been identified so far, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The response involved multiple agencies, including the FBI Bomb Squad, Mobile Police Department’s explosive unit, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Bomb Squad, and local search-and-rescue teams.
Officials also say security around the reservoir and dam will now be increased moving forward.
A small device likely would have little effect on concrete several feet thick…