As part of its Safe Drinking Water Program, the State of
Louisiana recently implemented 12 units of the Severn Trent Services
Eclox(TM) Rapid Response Water Testing System. Eclox offers municipalities a
low cost option for monitoring water quality and meeting new security
requirements.

Designed for military field use, the Eclox system provides
an effective monitoring and protection tool to rapidly determine any
significant degradation in the chemical profile at a plant or water source. It
presents full test results in minutes for phenols, amines, heavy metals,
cyanide, pesticides, arsenic, nerve agents, mustard gas, and other contaminants,
allowing for timely corrective action to be taken.

The simple-to-use system enables one person to test at
multiple locations. It uses a luminometer to determine water toxicity, with
full results in as little as 30 minutes. Because it was designed for military
use, it is tough and portable.

The Anti-Terrorism Bill (H.R 3448), signed on June 12 of
this year, enforces regulations on water utilities in an effort to better
prepare the nation against terrorism. All community water systems serving populations
greater than 3,300 must conduct a vulnerability assessment, certify completion,
and provide a written copy to the Environmental Protection Agency. All
emergency response plans should contain plans, procedures, and identification
of equipment that can be utilized in the event of a terrorist or other
intentional attack, to eliminate or significantly reduce the impact of such an
attack on public health, safety, and drinking water supplies.

In early August, Severn Trent Services assisted Louisiana municipalities
with training on the Eclox systems.

Based in Fort Washington, Pa., Severn Trent Services
supplies water and wastewater treatment solutions. The company's broad
range of products and services is concentrated around disinfection and
filtration technologies, pipeline analysis, rehabilitation and repair services,
contract operating services, and state-of-the-art residential metering
products.

The company is part of Severn Trent Plc., of Birmingham,
England, an international environmental services company.

For further information, phone 215-997-4065.