Message from Emerald Coastkeeper

Please see the following message from Emerald Coastkeeper regarding the recent report on ECUA water quality:

Dear Friends of Emerald Coastkeeper:

A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group revealed the Emerald Coast Utility Authority distributes to the citizens of Escambia County the worst drinking water in the nation. In response to this study and in an effort to shed light on this serious issue, Emerald Coastkeeper Chasidy Fisher Hobbs issued an opinion article which can be found on the Emerald Coastkeeper website, (www.emeraldcoastkeeper.org). Additionally, Coastkeeper Hobbs has authored a viewpoint on this issue which was published by the Pensacola News Journal and the Indpendent News and can be found on their websites: www.pnj.com, and www.inweekly.net.

The Emerald Coastkeeper is committed to standing up for the citizens of Escambia County and to pursue the truth about our drinking water. The Coastkeeper will address this issue and other water quality issues at the Coastkeeper membership meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. to be held at Dharma Blue Restaurant at 300 South Alcaniz Street, Pensacola, FL 32502. The meeting is free and open to the public. We encourage you to bring friends, family members and interested neighbors.

If safe drinking water is an important issue for you, we encourage you to attend the City of Pensacola Citizens Advisory Board's Meeting on Monday, January 11, 2010, at 3:15 p.m. to be held on the second floor of the Pensacola City Hall, located at 222 West Main Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502. ECUA will be presenting a response to the EWG report at the meeting. Emerald Coastkeeper Chasidy Fisher Hobbs will address the Citizens Advisory Board and seek their support to encourage the Escambia County Utility Authority to improve the drinking water in Escambia County. Do not miss this opportunity to learn more from the Emerald Coastkeeper on how the City Council can encourage the ECUA to improve water quality. The meeting is free and open to the public.

The Emerald Coastkeeper is also planning a Drinking Water Forum on February 10th from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Hagler Auditorium at PJC (building 2A, room 252, adjacent to the Registration Center). Representatives from the United States E.P.A., Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agency, Emerald Coast Utility Authority, Florida Department of Health, Escambia County Commissioners and other elected officials have expressed interest in attending this forum and sitting on the panel. We are also waiting for a commitment from the Environmental Working Group. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the drinking water issues and will provide a time for questions to be answered by those who are responsible for the well being of the citizens of Escambia County.

The Emerald Coastkeeper has compiled the email addresses for those individuals who are responsible for safe drinking water. Go to our "Issues" page at www.emeraldcoastkeeper.org and take a moment to email your concerns.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth McWilliams
Director of Development
www.emeraldcoastkeeper.org
info@emeraldcoastkeeper.org
o: 850.429.8422