This is an engaging discussion by @RA_Becks @julie_cart. In 2020, communities in California, Oregon, and elsewhere are facing confirmed or potential #wildfire drinking water contamination. We are currently helping stakeholders. #CampFire More below.... https://twitter.com/CalMatters/status/1319066361784655873

Without safe drinking water, you have no community.

Not mentioned, 1 mile from Paradise....in Magalia. Their water company had 530 ppb in their drinking water...and never notified their customers. 500 ppb is the RCRA regulatory threshold designating a waste as hazardous.

Several drinking water contamination response policies developed during the #CampFire by #California ignored public safety concerns.

In 2020, these were thrust upon communities in response to the #CZULightningComplex Fire. Results: confusion and unacceptable risks to children.

In response to the 2020 fires, Oregon adopted #California's #wildfire water contamination policies thereby placing survivors and communities at risk.

i.e., #benzene only water testing is recommended. BUT, methylene chloride can exceed safe limits when benzene was not present.

There are many factually incorrect issues with #California's #wildfire water contamination response policy.

Why?

Those who created them do not understand exactly what they're doing.

Why?

They're not trained, don't have the background.

Could they do it right?

Yes, but..

They would need to:

1. Follow evidence in front of them (which would require them to discard several wacky theories that are not factually supported).

2. Engage experts for help so they can be better informed.

3. Recognize survivor's want to know if their water will harm them

We are and have helped communities in need. Survivors, towns, utilities, counties, state and federal agencies.

2018 #CampFire and 2017 #TubbsFire water testing results are available here: https://awwa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aws2.1183