We read with total amazement the article in the March 2 edition of The Morning Star regarding the use of bottled water in public buildings in Vernon. Ms O’Keefe’s statement that “We spent millions of dollars providing quality water and people should drink it” sounds like something a dictator would say. All the taxpayers in the area pay for the water they consume and also pay for the millions it cost to put infrastructure in place. Also, I certainly would not drink out of a water fountain, and I am sure most people that are germ conscious would agree with this in this day of all the super bugs that are in circulation.
In the next two editions of the paper, and also on television, Interior Health is warning Vernon that they must spend another 20 million dollars on this system to make it comply with health standards, which is also very alarming.
If we or anyone prefers to drink bottled water it is their right to do so. In publicly funded buildings, that incidentally the taxpayers own, they should be able to purchase the beverage of their choice, we for one do not drink any other cold beverage. All containers are recyclable, in fact Dasani is 100 per cent biodegradable and water is much better for you than sweetened drinks such as pop and juice.
I hope council will reconsider this bizarre move and get on with dealing with what is important in this area and what they were elected to do.
Harvey and Peggy Youden
Vernon
