But what about toxins, heavy metals, petroleum fractions and other pollutants that are in our groundwater? Those wind up in our water system too and can be very hard to detect. Salt is the least of our worries when it comes to declaring our water is perfectly safe and potable.
May I suggest that this fellow and his family drink the okay, salty CUC water for a few weeks and then let us know how he feels. The rest of us won’t be too surprised when his Imodium AD or Pepto Bismol intake increases, and that is if he is lucky. I would warn you though, that much more serious problems may occur than just the “pottie trots.” Heavy metal poisoning has dire health consequences and even death can ensue from too high an intake. I am not suggesting that the levels are that high in CUC water, but even tiny amounts can be very serious. Leeching from old lead pipes and lead-filled connections is a big worry as is undetected ground water contamination.
Mr. Bruce Meggar, CUC’s deputy director for water and sewer division, wants to have safe and drinkable 24-hour water in five years, which is laudable but it is a long way from being there right now. Meanwhile, would you rather your children drink bottled RO water or take a chance that CUC water straight out of the tap from those 63 years old U.S. military pipes (and not of Japanese, 1930) is okay?
At very least, have a lab check your home or business tap water before gulping down something that might harm you or your family. That would be the responsible thing to do. Checking the lab reports on your bottled water provider is not a bad idea either.
REP. STANLEY
MCGINNIS TORRES
16th CNMI Legislature
