Category Archives: Opinion

Opinion pieces

It’s All Hurricane Katrina’s Fault

Posted on September 19, 2013 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

by Michael J. McGuire Commentary:  Now I have heard everything. The death of the 4-year old boy in St. Bernard Parish is being linked to Hurricane Katrina. As related in a bunch of news articles recently, a Louisiana epidemiologist, who … Continue reading →

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What if I put it up my nose?

Posted on September 17, 2013 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

By Michael J. McGuire Water utilities are required to provide drinking water that is safe for their customers to drink. But what about other uses of municipal water? Is a water utility responsible for ensuring the safety of water that … Continue reading →

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Water History Can Strengthen AWWA Sections

Posted on November 15, 2012 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

Publisher’s Note: This article in slightly different form appeared in a recent electronic newsletter (“Section Direction”) produced by the American Water Works Association for the officers and top volunteers of its Sections. by Michael J. McGuire What is the biggest … Continue reading →

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“Don’t know much about history…”

Posted on September 2, 2012 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

by Michael J. McGuire With apologies to the legendary Sam Cooke and his 1958 hit song, “Wonderful World.” The fact is that environmental engineers and scientists who are practicing today know very little about the history of their profession.  Heaven … Continue reading →

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The “Drinking Water Cycle” is Right

Posted on August 20, 2012 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

by Michael J. McGuire Blogs are not supposed to suggest solutions.  All blogs have to do is rail against something and get folks stirred up.  This is so.  It’s in the blogger’s manual somewhere. A funny thing happened after I … Continue reading →

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My Erin Brockovich Nightmare

Posted on August 16, 2012 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

by Michael J. McGuire I have this recurring nightmare.  The California Department of Public Health is criticized for taking too long to set a maximum contaminant level for hexavalent chromium.  Frustrated environmental groups sue CDPH.  The California Legislature calls a public … Continue reading →

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Who the Heck Changed the AWWA Wikipedia Page?

Posted on August 12, 2012 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

by Michael J. McGuire Guilty.  It was me…and a bunch of other Wikipedia (WP) editors and administrators.  What gives me the right to change a description of an article defining the American Water Works Association?  Sure, I have been a … Continue reading →

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All Water Cycle Diagrams are Wrong

Posted on August 8, 2012 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

by Michael J. McGuire One or more times during everyone’s grade school science class experience, we were introduced to the water (or hydrologic) cycle.  The water cycle continues to be taught today the same way I remember learning it far too … Continue reading →

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Chloramines Get Trashed in Tulsa

Posted on August 4, 2012 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

by Michael J. McGuire Commentary: While sorting through hundreds of tweets today, I notice one item that caused me a lot of concern.  @SaveTheWater tweeted that #Tulsa was adding chloramines to the City’s drinking water.  Going to the link brings up … Continue reading →

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Ina Roth and Ozone

Posted on July 25, 2012 by safedrinkingwaterdotcom

by Michael J. McGuire On Monday, I went to the funeral of a good friend.  I first met Ina Roth in her role as a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California in … Continue reading →

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