Water: Testing for lead shouldn't be so hard

Re: “Tacoma water is safe to drink, utility says,” (TNT, 5/19).

I’d like to thank Chris McMeen, deputy water superintendent in charge of water quality for Tacoma Public Utilities, declaring that our water is safe to drink. If in doubt, please flush the water for two minutes or until cool before drinking, therefore using more water and increasing your water bill. Of the original 1,700 (now magically only 1,200) residents with the lead gooseneck fixtures, only 12 sample homes were tested (that’s 0.01 percent – statistically nothing); therefore, TPU is declaring success in eliminating our lead problems.

Originally they were going to test all the homes on their list; now water will get tested only if residents request kits and do it themselves. Residents will not pay for tests, but you must call in (again) and get on another list. Thank you again, Tacoma, for taking care of your tax base.

This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 10:36 AM with the headline "Water: Testing for lead shouldn't be so hard."