An explosive device was discovered underwater at the base of an Alabama dam that supplies drinking water to a city and surrounding communities, sparking a rapid, multi-agency response that included federal bomb technicians.
The device was found Wednesday by divers performing routine maintenance and repair work at the Converse Reservoir in Mobile County, officials said.
A large emergency response moved in after the sheriff’s office was alerted to what was described as a “grenade-type IED [improvised explosive device].”
The explosive was retrieved and later safely detonated on land away from the dam near Mobile. No injuries were reported.
Authorities have not said how the device ended up at the bottom of the dam. Bomb experts told 1819News the explosive was likely deliberately constructed and placed.
“Our top priority is keeping your drinking water safe,” said Bud McCrory, director of the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS), which hired the divers working at the site.
“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 continued.
🚨WHAT THE HELL?!!!!
Divers doing a ROUTINE maintenance check at the Converse Reservoir dam in Mobile, AL…
…just found an underwater IED!!!!
Apparently a grenade-type bomb was sitting submerged at the bottom of a dam that holds an entire city’s DRINKING WATER.
It took… pic.twitter.com/Rh5VQMspcU
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) May 14, 2026
The Converse Reservoir dam and Big Creek Lake are federally designated as critical infrastructure, and the incident was referred to the Department of Homeland Security.
“We are grateful for the professionalism and competency of our law enforcement partners – as well as the quick thinking of our contractors and divers – in identifying this device and safely destroying it,” McCrory concluded.
The water provider said it will work with law enforcement to increase security around the reservoir and dam.
No suspect has been identified.
Monica Allen, the agency’s public relations manager, told 1819News the area is monitored by cameras. She said the discovery hit close to home because personnel routinely work on the dam.
She added that she is thankful no one was hurt because “our staff is on that dam, if not daily, every other day.”
“And there are homes in that area, so you just don’t know. We live in a different kind of world now,” Allen added.
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