Environmental Education, Homeland Security, Environmental Engineering, and Other Points Between

Abstract

There is a weekly Internet column discussing aspects of the computer industry under the name I, Cringely. In an October column discussing smart technology for security issues, the following statement was made, ‘‘If we anticipated the possible attack on a water system and installed some smart improvements, we’d never have an E.coli problem again,’’ ~Cringely 2003!. While I agreed in general with the point the author was making, I could not restrain myself from sending the author the following e-mail comment. I read your column with interest each week, and I trust your analysis of the PC and software business. I would however like to point out that your point in the column of week before last about protecting drinking water systems from E. Coli contamination fell flat with me. First, E. Coli deaths occur due to consumption of meat contaminated with strains of coliform bacteria, which cannot be easily carried by treated water. While drinking water is tested for coliform bacteria, its presence is used as an indicator of fecal contamination and therefore the possibility of various dangerous microbes. Second, in my opinion the USEPA is pushing the homeland security aspect of its drinking water purview to the detriment of much more real and persistent threats to the health of the American people. So evaluation of the type of protection of water systems that you suggest is already underway, but it will probably result ~again just my opinion! in marginal health improvements considering the funds expended. Thank you for allowing me to throw in my two cents worth. I have learned a great deal from you. My background in my job of educating environmental engineers pushed me to point out your minor inaccuracy.