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Scientists speak in measured tones, learning early in their careers not to let their conclusions get ahead of their data. Witness this zinger from a draft Department of Water Resources report on nitrate levels in wells north of Antelope Boulevard just outside the Red Bluff city limits: "Previous studies found similar results. However, a greater number of wells were found with elevated concentrations of nitrates during the present study." Fewer words can often say more, and in that spirit we offer a translation: There's sewage in the drinking water, and it's getting worse. Too many septic tanks (the source of the nitrates) and too many wells (the source of the drinking water) are crowded onto a stretch of land with sandy soil that's not ideal for leach fields. Sooner than anyone expects, the problem will tip from distasteful to dangerous. Just how fast that's happening will be among the topics at an informational meeting at 7 p.m. today at the Berrendos School gymnasium, 401 Chestnut Ave. in Red Bluff. The news is unlikely to please anyone. The expense of connecting the area's homes to Red Bluff's sewer system will be burdensome: $26 million. Given the budget meltdown in Sacramento, state help is a poor prospect in the short run. But without a sewer system, it will keep getting worse. The dark threat on the horizon is that residents could be forbidden to use their septic systems. (So how would you flush? Good question.) Even darker is the threat of illness most susceptible are infants and the elderly. So it's not really much of a choice. |
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