We in Augusta-Richmond County have a situation that needs to be remedied.

On Nov. 1 the Augusta-Richmond County Water System released a "Publication Notification Microbiological Violation" report. It plainly states in this notification that coliform bacteria were found in our drinking water in September. Coliform is an insidious bacterium, causing a myriad of sometimes vague symptoms, and the Water Department deemed that the intensity of the bacteria was not sufficient that a public alert be issued immediately. There was a paragraph alluding to the fact that it might be a hazard to people (they didn't mention pets) with compromised immune systems, and those people with this problem should alert their physicians (and in my case, my veterinarian).

The major problem with this is that the alert was issued Nov. 1, almost two months after the contamination was identified. Then they handed over the alert to be included in the water bills with the next mailing. It is very near the end of the month when the water bill comes. So another month has been added to the delay.

Humans on chemotherapy have compromised immune systems; organ recipients have compromised immune systems; victims of AIDS have compromised immune systems. We have large numbers of these individuals in our area. How many died during the almost three months after the bacteria were discovered? How many beloved pets died because the veterinarians didn't have sufficient information to adequately treat them? We'll never know.

Let us pray that Mayor-elect Deke Copenhaver will be able to communicate to the Augusta Commission the importance of oversight with vital services, such as our drinking water. The Chronicle gladly publishes public service announcements.

Where do I send my vet bills incurred because of lack of communication with the public, and poor judgment on the part of quality control at our water system?

Betty Maxwell Draughon, Augusta