The Sunnyvale Sun

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Symptoms returned when using Philadelphia chloramined water

Thanks for providing a much-needed service in informing the public about the validated concerns over the addition of chloramine to our water as a disinfectant. There are many unsuspecting people (young and old alike), who are being unfairly treated when it comes to their health.

It took me many months to relate my congestion to the occasional showering in water containing chloramine. Using purified well water eliminated the hazardous effects I was experiencing.

But then during the last two months I spent in Philadelphia on a work assignment, I found all my previous congestive effects reappeared.

I was surprised to find the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Water District used chloramine also.

So, you see, the problem has become widespread and difficult to avoid. But once we set the correct standard here in our area, others will follow.

Bruce Dronek

Sunnyvale

Chloramine complaints now being heard by legislature

Kudos to Assemblyman Ira Ruskin for introducing the bill AB2402 addressing the chloramine issue. In the Sun's March 29 article on chloramine, Ruskin is quoted as expressing concern for the people suffering from the effects of chloramine in the water supply and hopes that his bill will "bring relief to people."

Finally, the claims of people are being heard and some action taken to investigate chloramine.

For Citizens Concerned About Chloramine, an organization seeking chloramine resolution, one of the hoped-for outcomes of the bill is that it will lead to the necessary studies on the health effects of chloramine, especially the skin and respiratory studies. The asthma-related symptoms are life-threatening.

As early as 1978, the question, "What are the health effects of chloramine?" was reiterated by the Federal Register (EPA, 1978). It seems unconscionable that any water regulatory agency would add a chemical into the water before knowing its potential toxicity.

What are we waiting for?

Lillian Liebermann

San Jose

'Measure A' failed once, should fail again, says taxpayer

Thank you for the article on Measure A. I made up my mind a while ago to vote 'no' on this proposition because:

I will not give our elected officials a larger percentage of my fixed income so they can spend it on whatever they want without my having a say-so;

With the upturn in the business cycle, sales tax income is increasing;

With the large increase in the cost of gasoline, sales tax revenue from gasoline has also increased significantly; and

They have done nothing to improve the efficiency of government as has been done in the private sector.

The automobile dealers in Sunnyvale and other large-ticket retailers face enough competition already. I want them to have a level playing field so buyers aren't given an incentive to go to the East Bay or San Francisco, resulting in a loss of income for Sunnyvale.

Werner Gans

Sunnyvale

Grateful dog owner thanks
Samaritan who saved pet

We are looking for a way to thank the people who saved our dog's life. Perhaps a letter to the editor of the Sunnyvale Sun will reach them. Here goes:

Dear Sunnyvale Neighbor,

On Easter Sunday while our family was away on vacation, our pug dog, Pogo, escaped our back yard on Wright Avenue, where he was being cared for by our neighbor, a student at Cupertino Middle School. We understand that you found him wandering around on Fremont Avenue and kept him safe overnight. You took him to Cameron Veterinary Hospital in Sunnyvale, where his "chip" was read, and he was returned to us through friends. We thank you for saving Pogo's life. We thank you for saving our neighbor and our two sons from the possibility of finding Pogo dead on the side of the road. We didn't get your name. We hope this reaches you. It reminds us that even though we live in a big suburb, we still live in a city like Sunnyvale with neighbors who care for each other. Thanks again for your act of kindness.

Cindy Castillo

Sunnyvale