Jim Mastrich of Lambertville
“Don’t drink the water” were the words coming out of my mouth as I cautioned my children as to the potential health risks encountered by a twisting of the tap.
What a shame that, here in Lambertville, we’ve received word about lead and copper in our water. Not somewhere in the third world, but Lambertville.
But don’t worry. They’ve informed us if we just run the taps a little bit, everything will be fine.
Didn’t the cigarette companies speak a similar mantra in an attempt to dull down the concerns about the now clearly substantiated health effects from smoking?
I don’t mean to impugn the integrity of those who work for United Water, Lambertville. The fact is, however, they aren’t some local folks looking out for us.
On the contrary, United Water, Lambertville, is part of a very large corporation that provides water to 7 million people in 19 states. You might find it surprising that not only is United Water one of the largest investor-owned water services company in the United States, but it’s parent company, Suez Lyonnaise Des Eaux, serves 125 million people around the world.
Herein lies my concern. Although Suez claims it’s corporate mission is “to strive to provide our customers — pure, clean water and stellar service” — as a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (it’s symbol is SZE), it seeks to be the premier water services company in North America. They want to increase market share and please their stockholders by increasing their bottom line.
Lambertville, with its minor lead, copper and PCBs problems, just may not be front and center on their radar screen.
I urge our mayor and City Council not to accept the assurance from such a large, impersonal corporate entity. To do so would be in essence allowing the foxes to watch the hen house and tell us that everything is fine.
Our City Council should seek an independent body to investigate the causes and solutions to our water problems. Perhaps we should involve Congressman Holt in creating the sort of public advocacy effort this situation really calls for.
But one thing is for certain: get the lead out!
Jim Mastrich
Lambertville
