Don't Drink the Water

Someone brought to my attention today, a notice that Wichita Water Utilities customers received (beginning 3/25). I'll sum it up with some direct quotes:


Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard...We routinely monitor our water for turbidity (cloudiness).  This tells us whether we are effectively filtering the water supply...If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly you may be at increased risk and should seek advice form your health care provider about drinking this water... This is not an emergency... turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms... Steps have been taken... Turbidity measurements have returned to normal and we expect to be in compliance in April.


Um. WHAT? You mean the water I have been using to brush my teeth, cook, clean my food and body isn't clean?


I don't know anything about water treatment or related legal guidelines, so this may be a normal, acceptable occurrence - but to me, as a customer and as someone who is at high risk for infections, I'm alarmed.  There are no other options - I can't shower with bottled water, nor can I avoid washing dishes, clothes, food, etc. in the water the city is supposed to be treating to meet certain health standards.


I don't know why they even bothered to tell us this happenED. Why would they alarm the public about something that we can't do anything about, and isn't an issue any longer, unless it were something very serious.  I know, some of you probably don't think it's a big deal.  After all, people years ago didn't have the luxury of chemically-treated, government-regulated city water, they drank the well water, organisms and all.  Some people may argue that it's good to get a little dirty water every now and then to boost the immune system... which is a load of crap. Bacteria is bacteria, and when you're infected with E. coli or C. diff, then tell me how healthy you feel.  


I'm probably over-reacting - but I definitely won't be drinking the water.








UPDATE 5/3:
Now that Boston's water main break has happened and they were without clean water for a couple days, I feel like my freak-out is a little unwarranted.  *sheepish look*