To the editor,
I am writing to you today regarding the sewage system and the main water lines of Terrace B.C. We all rely on these two systems to sustain the quality of our daily lives, yet many of us don’t often think about them.
It might be interesting for the community to have access to view an accurate visual image of these two systems with explanations defining the two services.
My personal interest developed due to a strong odour of sewage in the air this summer at a complex near the vicinity of Southside Haugland Avenue, on more than one occasion.
At its peak, it was nauseating. The sewage odour was also prevalent on a section on Southside Haugland Avenue and within the range of sewer grates. Considering our civilization and technology with systems of today, this was unexpected and prompts the questions: Why? How? What for?
Shortly after the sewage issue, a main water line of privately owned property broke. The city was asked to turn the water off. No dispute regarding what is within reason in such circumstances. The concern is the availability of a secondary water supply being available within a reasonable time-frame for people without access to the main water source.
The water shut-off lasted approximately one week during some very hot August days. Not all people have the supports, ability, resources, or convenience to pack large quantities of water. Being told to “go to the store and buy yourself a bottle of water” is not an acceptable response from a landlord.
The landlord and tenant monthly rental fee agreement is a business transaction - which includes a sink, tub, and shower that functions with healthy water flow when turned on. When the water isn’t flowing, the landlord should have a secondary source available for all tenants within the hour.
Considering resources and services of today, would it be correct to summarize the sewer issue as being neglect of a sewer system and of people. Air quality and health can be affected. No matter what explanation comes forth, someone is accountable. It should not have gone to stink.
Regarding the water shut-off, perhaps a city-mandated policy for the city public works could be to provide written notice on the front doors of households of apartment complexes’ entrances and exits - along with the landlord’s - and inquire if people have a secondary water supply, whom they can contact for assistance.
Better yet, perhaps the gov’t legislation with landlord-tenancy can mandate apartment complexes be required by law to have on the premises at all times a secondary emergency supply of water in storage on each floor, and all apartments be required to have a large container of water to be used only in case of an emergency.
I have learned: I will have more than “a bottle of water” in storage for emergency purposes.
Susan Maroney
Terrace, B.C.
Do you have a comment about this story? email:
michael.willcock@terracestandard.com