A Converse Reservoir dam IED found underwater in Mobile, Alabama, has raised security concerns around a key drinking water site after officials said the device was safely removed and detonated.

The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System said the grenade-type improvised explosive device was discovered by divers who were surveying the dam for routine repair and maintenance at Converse Reservoir, also known as Big Creek Lake. MAWSS said it alerted the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, which coordinated the multi-agency response.

MAWSS Says Device Was Safely Detonated

The Gulf Coast Regional Maritime Response and Render-Safe Team retrieved and detonated the device, according to MAWSS. Agencies involved included the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI Bomb Squad, the Mobile Police Department Explosive Ordnance Detail, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Bomb Squad and the Daphne Search and Rescue Team.

MAWSS Director Bud McCrory described the discovery as an “unprecedented threat” and said the utility’s top priority is keeping drinking water safe. Officials said the device was found before it could cause serious damage to the water supply or harm people working near the dam.

Why the Alabama Dam Security Review Matters

The reservoir and dam are federally designated critical infrastructure, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been made aware of the incident, MAWSS said. The agency said it will continue working with law enforcement to enhance security at the reservoir and dam.

Officials have not publicly announced how the device reached the underwater dam area or named any suspect in the details released so far. The incident remains important for Mobile-area residents because Converse Reservoir is part of the region’s drinking water system.