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OPINION With the memory of the Walkerton water tragedy still reasonably fresh in our memories, you would think Halton residents wouldnt be so cavalier when it comes to the quality of their drinking water. However, a report presented to the Regions health and social services committee recently revealed that of the 261 wells randomly tested by the Halton Region Health Department in 2007 largely in Halton Hills and Milton 37 per cent had unacceptable water quality in terms of bacteria. That number was almost on par with a similar study in 2006 that showed 38 per cent of wells had unacceptable levels of bacteria. Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal called the results disconcerting. The good news is that the health department has not received any reports of residents becoming sick by drinking tainted water. However, on the downside, that study showed that approximately one third of the tested wells had deficiencies that could lead to the water supply being contaminated by surface and rain water runoff. Many of these deficiencies, such as cracks in well casing or poor drainage around the well head allow bacteria to contaminate the well, making it an unsafe water source, Nosal said. Proper well construction and maintenance is the first line of defence to safe- guard drinking water from contamination. Unfortunately many Halton well owners simply arent having their water tested. In 2004 the Region tested 7,000 well water samples but last year that num- ber dipped to 4,000. For such a simple and free procedure you would think more well owners would have their water tested. After all, is bacteria-laden water something you want to ingest on a regular basis? Sample bottles are available free of charge and can be picked up or dropped off locally at the health departments Georgetown office (93 Main St. S.) Monday-Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The bottles can also be mailed out to residents at their request. Water, and its quality, is not something we should take for granted. Remember Walkerton? The Independent & Free Press is published every Wednesday and Friday at 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown Ont., L7G 4B1. It is one of several newspapers published by Metroland Media Group Ltd. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with reasonable allowance for sig- nature will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the acceptable rate. In the event of typographical error advertising goods or services at wrong price, goods or ser- vices may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell which may be withdrawn at any time. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Price: Store copies 50 each; Subscriptions $26 per year by carrier; $92.50 per year by mail in Canada; $130 per year in all other countries. Plus G.S.T. Second Class Mail Registration Number 6869. The Independent & Free Press is a member of The Canadian Community Newspaper Association and The Ontario Community Newspaper Association. Steve Nease THE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear editor, I couldnt agree more with Ted Browns Feb . 8 column about the asi- nine policy of the Ministry of Education with regard to late assign- ments. I hear that many school boards have tried and discarded this policy as unworkable for precisely the reasons you listed in your column. Unfortunately, the Halton board is clinging to the letter of the law, so to speak. You alluded to university and col- lege applications, where marks are very important. The other thing thats important in this regard is getting those applications in on time. Sending a university, college or even residence application in late just wont cut it. Similarly, there is no feel free to hand in assignments when you feel like it policy at any of the universities or col- leges in this province or any other. Not having late penalties does a dis- service to students, who will graduate without any realization of the very real deadlines in the world outside the classroom. Missed getting that dream job because you were late for the inter- view? Too bad! Missed your wedding because you and your girlfriends were out shopping and lost track of the time? Bad luck! Unless the Ministry of Education and the Halton Board discard this ludi- crous policy, voters just might decide to be too late to vote in the next municipal and provincial elections. Maggie Laidlaw, Guelph Policy does a disservice to students Letters to the editor must include an address and daytime telephone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 200 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1 E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Something bugging you? 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Phone: 905-873-0301 Fax: 905-873-0398www.independentfreepress.com 6 Acton/Georgetown, Friday, February 29, 2008 Dear editor, I was thinking the other day how the new student better late than never policy for assignments would play out in the business world. George, that important assign- ment is three days late. Whats the holdup? Im sorry, Mr. Edwards, but I havent had time to get around to it... what with skiing last weekend and a very demanding girlfriend. Thats OK, George, we have a pyramid of intervention here at Widget International. Well help you with your time management skills and break the assignment into small- er stages so that we dont interfere with your social life. After all, its better late than never. Yeah! Right! Ian Barrett, Acton Dear editor, Re: Feb. 13 editorial (Schools out.. to lunch). Does the Ministry of Education understand that time management is absolutely essential in our busy soci- ety today? Getting assignments in on time, as well as other planning, is necessary to any form of accomplish- ment in this world. Does the Ministry of Education have meetings and agendas they have to plan, pre- pare for, and attend and if they miss these time lines is it OK? There are now more daily plan- ners, planning software and other electronic devices than ever before to help us organize our time. We are producing a generation of people who cant fail because they get a number of chances to do it over again and now they dont need to plan for now or the future. WAKE UP MINISTRY OF EDU- CATION! Ross Pechaluk, Georgetown School policy wouldnt work in working world Ministry producing a generation who cant fail Dear editor, Like everyone were struggling to cope with this crazy winter. Recently I came home from work expecting to break my back (again) trying to clear the mountain of heavy snow left by the snowplow. As I approached my driveway I couldnt believe what I saw the driveway was cleaned perfectly. My neighbour said she saw a man operating a plow with a snow blower on the back. As she went to thank him he had finished and left. She fol- lowed in her car but seconds later there was no plow to be found. We want to thank this very kind gentleman for such a huge favour. It made my week and I wish he could know how much we appreciate it. Liz Zahara, Georgetown Mystery plower thanked