Investigation to determine if Halliburton gave U.S troops dirty water

March 16, 2006

DoD to determine if troops in Iraq received unsafe water

By Rick Maze
Times staff writer

The Defense Department has agreed to investigate allegations that U.S. troops in Iraq were provided unhealthy water by a contractor. The claims, made by former employees of Halliburton in testimony before the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, said water delivered to troops had been drawn from the Euphrates River just a few miles from locations where raw sewage entered the river.

The untreated water was then used by soldiers for cooking and personal hygiene, according to a statement issued by Sen. Bryon Dorgan, D-N.D., who chaired the February hearing at which the allegations were made.

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But Dorgan said the problem does not appear to be isolated. An internal company report “reveals that contaminated water was a problem nationwide and put American soldiers who used that water at risk,” he said in a statement.

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“The ugly details of Halliburton’s role in Iraq are more complete today,” said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. “With this latest revelation, we are reminded again of the negligence and arrogance of some who would put corporate profits ahead of the welfare of America’s troops.”

http://www.navytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-1605164.php