Walkerton - From Infamy To Excellence

Walkerton - From InfamyTo Excellence

The Cost Of Getting It Wrong

Bruce DavidsonConcerned Walkerton Citizens

P.O. Box 1376Walkerton, Ontario

N0G 2V0Phone: 519-881-0884Email: cwc@bmts.com

Anatomy of a Systemic Breakdown….continued

• Maintenance of wells• Operator training• Falsification of records• Public Utilities Commission• Ministry of Environment

Anatomy of a Systemic Breakdown…..continued

• Local Health Unit• Private Laboratory• Water main construction• Spills Action• Government of Ontario - 11 separate warnings• Voluntary compliance• Risk management

THE COST OF GETTING IT WRONG

• Experts suggest up to 15% of population may suffer Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

• Loss of business to other communities. • Municipal insurance 3 times average cost.• Cuts to MOE $40 million.• Cost of tragedy $150 million.• Ongoing illness.

The economic costs of the Walkerton Water Crisis – Dr. J Livernois for Walkerton Inquiry.

CONSEQUENSES OF ILLNESS

• Hemolytic Urea Syndrome

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Reactive Arthritis

• Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

• High blood Pressure

• Diabetes

HOW CLOSE MUSTILLNESS COME BEFORE WE ACT?

• Woman with IBS.• Man with reactive arthritis.• Young boy with gout symptoms.• Man with diabetes and high blood pressure.