The US has extremely strict and aware water safety protocols. It would take just 1 whistleblower to [take down] this operation.

Had. HAD. The US has fired many/most of its inspectors.

75% of American drinking water requires treatment for one thing or another. One of those treatments is supplied by a single vendor out of a single plant in a flood-prone area. Apparently only recently did it receive federal staffing to improve security. This is only one of the many weak links in a supply chain with now absolutely zero oversight.

I wish I was kidding.