Table of contents
COVER
Bob's mess
As the University of Virginia entered its third week of crisis, and with a convincing explanation of the Board of Visitors' decision to oust President Teresa Sullivan still MIA, the heat is on Governor Bob McDonnell who some have accused of delaying action and playing politics.
COVER
Discriminatory?
UVA faculty, staff, alums, students, legislators– just about every possible constituent group has come out in support of Teresa Sullivan, and the BOV hasn't been able to justify its decision to practically anyone's satisfaction. Could it be that their reasons were more visceral than factual? A growing faction, including a prominent UVA psychiatrist, thinks so.
NEWS
Food on Fifth
For those living on the south side of Charlottesville, grocery shopping has long meant a tortuous, traffic-heavy slog across town to 29 North. Not for much longer, as a popular northern grocery store chain commits to anchoring the long-awaited Fifth Street Station development.
NEWS
Water wars
When the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority decided to add chloramines to the public water supply back in 2011, few may have realized that the chemical– a combination of chlorine and ammonia– had wreaked health havoc in other communities. Now, with evidence that it caused elevated lead levels in Washington, D.C. children, the debate over chloramines in our local water supply is heating up.
Cover of this 40-page issue:
Bob McDonnell, Helen Dragas, Teresa Sullivan, and Sullivan's supporters.
–photos by Tom Daly, Jen Fariello, Ophelia Lenz, Hawes Spencer, and UVA News
1 comment
As a physician I am appalled at the consideration of the use of chloramines in our water treatment plan. This is no proper way forward as use of this chemical is shown to cause respiratory symptoms as well as skin irritation in persons. Secondly, it reacts with many other chemicals resulting in dangerous byproducts.
My understanding is that it is being considered over Granular Activated Carbon Filtration, an absolutely safe and effective method of treating our water, as it will cost .91cents more per person, per household a month. Frankly I am happy to pay for the trade-off of health. But that said, this is really a false number, as Chloramines are known to cause pitting in copper piping. For those households with copper piping, they can expect a FAR larger bill to replace failing infrastructure. Hardly a win-win for consumers.
Lastly, it causes leaching of Lead from piping. This is utterly unacceptable. The impact from lead exposure and pregnant women and babies/children is well researched and documented. To knowing add a chemical that will increase lead exposure and thus the potential to cause brain damage, is frankly criminal.
There is a SAFE, healthy alternative in Granular Activated Carbon Filtration. I suggest we use our common sense and ethical compass and take that route.
Sincerely,
RMD
Family Practice
Charlottesville