Editor:

Once again E. coli gets trotted out as the big scare tactic.

Escherichia coli-E. coli for short-is a harmless bacteria that lives in the gut of humans and is part of the healthy flora in the digestive cycle. There are also deadly mutated strains, but it's over-reaching and irresponsible to label it categorically instead of identifying it.

Has Fraser Health in fact identified the Chilliwack test findings as one of the harmful strains such as E. coli O157: H7, or E. coli O145?

The very fact that E. coli was identified in Chilliwack water, without any corresponding news of illness, confirms the folly of this extreme prognosis. (Stating that related illness is often unreported is absurd-that's speculation not fact.) Proponents once again turn a blind eye to facts and use their "discovery" in Chilliwack's water tests to bully opponents of chlorination. Not buying it, Fraser Health.

In the absence of precise evidence, Dr. Lem's prognosis and Fraser Health's unilateral decision is wrongheaded and unnecessary.

Mayor Gaetz has underlined the hard work and strong measures taken by city staff in maintaining our award-winning water. I applaud our municipal managers.

Wayne Froese Chilliwack