Editor:

I am the operator of a small water system in Powell River.

Our deep well (120 feet) is located above all development and feeds the community through gravity.

Because of Walkerton, Ont., we were directed by Vancouver Coastal Health to install a chlorinating system in 2005. It was a 50/50 split with the users.

In the past we would add some bleach to our storage tank when a "bad"sample was detected. A couple of times we did had E. coli, never knowing where it came from.

Following the hand-added chlorine, the samples came back clean.

Even though the source of the water for Chilliwack may be clean, (deep wells) and the storage tanks kept clean and tamper proof, everyone forgets about the sewer systems and how they can infect the distribution pipes to each house or business.

In conclusion, eight years after our decision to install a chlorinating system, we have had clean samples, with a sampling rate of two to three per week.

Allan Glass Powell River