7/4/12
Is there arsenic in your well water in Shorewood? The answer is: maybe.
This week's "Lakeshore Weekly News" carried an article about the whole city water plan (see previous blog on this) that implied that one reason for putting city water throughout Shorewood was that there is arsenic in the private wells. Actually, the council has never really discussed arsenic and how to deal with it in context of city-wide water being a solution.
The facts are that arsenic is a naturally occurring element in soils in this area. Private wells might have some arsenic due to leaching this element from the soil. Even if there is arsenic, it might be below dangerous levels. You'll never know unless you have your well water tested periodically. See Shorewood's website at www.ci.shorewood.mn.us, or call City Hall at 952-960-7900 for information on how to get your well tested. It's typically about $100 for testing.
If one private well has arsenic, the wells next door and across the street might not. It all depends on the underground conditions and the depth of the well. So, if someone down the block says they have arsenic problems, it's very possible your well is just fine.
If there is arsenic at problematic levels in a well, it can be removed by several methods with varying costs. Just remember that the danger is due to drinking the water and you have to drink a lot of water over a long period of time before there is a health problem. Bathing, washing clothes and dishes and brushing teeth are not a problem. The City has a pamphlet about city water and it contains some information on arsenic and references to more information. Stop by City Hall and ask for one.
Want the facts from the MN Dept of Health? Go to: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells/waterquality/arsenic.html.
Happy Reading!
The Insider
Don't look for LizZerby to make any effort to get the facts on arsenic in the water. They don't want them.
ReplyDeleteDon't expect common sense and facts to be part of how this group makes decisions. Lizee and friends are arrogant activists that believe they know the best way for us to live. In the best tradition of big city bureaucrats, they will use whatever power allowed by their positions to regulate as much of our lives as they can to fit their idealized view. They know best and are dismissive of other viewpoints.
ReplyDeleteThe whole water question is one of economics, not safety. There are many alternatives for those that may have less than ideal water that cost thousands of dollars less the $15,000+ these people are suggesting. Even suggesting taking $30 million dollars out of taxpayers’ pockets at any time is ludicrous. But during these economic times,( and with falling property values), it borders on insane! Again, these folks are arrogant and out of touch.
Those that believe that municipal water is completely safe should do a little research. Here is a link to a respected organization to get started: http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/reportfindings. Many might remember the Milwaukee Cryptosporidium outbreak in 1993 that affected over 400,000 people. An extreme example for sure, but municipal water supplies can be compromised. Do you want people like Lizee and Zerby responsible for your water safety? (Hotvet and Siakel would just nod their heads and agree that all is well)
How about getting back to core issues like public safety and maintaining the current infrastructure we have before adding an expensive and unnecessary boondoggle?
What if a city well gets arsenic in it?
ReplyDeleteThen thousands are poisoned.
But at least we can die together and be buried in a community compost heap. The important thing is that no one escapes or has a choice.
We will be poisoned by the water, composted and then buried by the developers waiting at the borders to snatch our property and create high density housing. It's over, people.
DeleteI appreciate your common sense approach to the arsenic situation. We have it in our water above the recommended levels, and also have access to city water. You can buy a lot of spring water @ .39/gallon before it adds to $5-7k cost of bringing water from the street to the house.
ReplyDeleteIf this was such an important issue for Hotvet and crew, 1) why wasn't it included in the survey (which Council still hasn't addressed)?. 2) why not start with the educational piece the City produced back in 2000 when it offered discounted rates on purchasing composting bins? Too logical? I don't want another bin or an additional fee. Those that want to compost already do as is evident by the lack of participation in this latest nonsensical council decision.
ReplyDeleteLomah, you are my hero. Please run for office. I haven't heard this much common sense since-oh wait, ever.
ReplyDeleteWait, no! Lomah is MY Hero! Yes, run for office, common sense, critical thinking needed. I'm willing to share you if you are really good candidate. :)
Delete