LETTER: EVMWD Responds To 'Cancer-Linked Contaminants' Report

The following letter to the editor was submitted for publication by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District in response to the article 'Cancer-Linked Contaminants Found In Elsinore Tap Water: Report.'

Dear Ms. Schiavone:

I appreciate the relationship we have with the Patch news outlet and the opportunities it has created for us to share information with our community. It is with disappointment that I am writing this letter regarding a recent article that caused undue concern within our community.

The article published in Patch, on October 24, titled, "Cancer-Linked Contaminants Found in Elsinore Tap Water: Report," was disingenuous, irresponsible, and filed under false pretenses. Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) was contacted to provide a response related to the recent PFAS issue, yet the article published was related to unproven and potential cancer linked contaminants. The report quoted is misleading and alarmist to say the least, contains several factual errors and has little to no scientific basis. It causes real concern when an organization shares an unfounded report that causes alarm to our customers about the quality of local drinking water.

As a California water agency, EVMWD follows water quality regulations set forth by the USEPA, as well as the California Division of Drinking Water (DDW). California currently has some of the most stringent guidelines for water in the nation. EVMWD performs tests from both internal and external certified laboratories daily to maintain the integrity of the water that we deliver to our customers daily. I have concerns with the statement "EVMWD officials defend" in the article. EVMWD does not need to defend its water quality. We transparently communicate our water quality results, which meet all state and federal standards, with our customers annually. Please see our website at www.evmwd.com/ccr for a copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

Noting that this article was duplicated in communities around the country, it is concerning that a news outlet would share this misleading information without the true picture or understanding of the background. It has the potential for negative ramifications and it grossly misleads our customers concerning the quality of the water served. EVMWD regularly uses the Patch as a source to share information, however, publishing articles of this nature deteriorates the credibility of your news outlet. It is difficult for readers to know what is factual versus what is potentially posted to gain "clicks".

Thank you for taking the time to review the information above. We look forward to working with the Patch to ensure accurate reporting and for clarification in its articles when it comes to drinking water supplies in the Elsinore Valley.

Sincerely,

Greg Thomas
General Manager