Havre water is unacceptable

Editor:

Launder with it, bathe in it, drink it and shut up! This is the bottom line thinking of our city administration, mayor and council. It is a sad day indeed for the citizens and businesses of Havre when they have to endure the drinking water during (what the city calls) "high water runoffs."

What is even sadder is that they know how to remedy the situation. It is my understanding lab reports indicate that an additive would go a long way to solve the problem. However, the mayor refuses to purchase it because of the "expense."

In the last decade, the taxpayers have expended $10-12 million to update the water plant to what we were propagandized to understand would be a "state of the art" facility. Still at times we suffer from dank water episodes. Not only do we suffer the H20 problem, we are also stonewalled by the city administration, mayor and council. As an example, councilman Gerry Veis voiced a ha-ha joke about the linen situation at the Best Western Great Northern Inn. His solution was to buy "rust-colored" linens — amazing!

I have received several calls and have had personal conversations with many concerned citizens since the article in the Havre Daily News. Many have had discolored clothing and linens. I urged them to file an insurance claim — forms are available at the City Clerk's Office. I hope you are not told the same as the general manager of the Best Western: "You can file a claim, but you're not going to get anything."

The manager of the Best Western stated to me that Canadian guests were complaining about the smell and look of the water. Will these guests ever return to Havre? I always thought that the mayor and council took pride in promoting visits by our Canadian neighbors. Councilman Bob Kaftan, in his infinite business wisdom suggested a sign that said, "The water is safe and clean." Remarkable!

I sincerely wish the best of luck to those filing a claim. Remember the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce's motto: "Havre Has It." Except the water!

William Dritshulas

Havre