Toowoomba residents wouldn't drink recycled water

"People are already buying bottled water rather than using Toowoomba water."

Picture: Bev Lacey

I RESPECT but admonish comments made by Di Thorley (TC, 9/12).

The issue was not about recycling H2O. It was about recycling H2o into the drinking system. I know and I can give at least 12 examples where people are buying bottled water rather than using Toowoomba water, such was and is the current distrust the issue raised.

Ms Thorley insinuates the people voted against scientific evidence and were therefore wrong. I refer to past history where science has been incorrect. The current Oakey water contamination crises, the use of asbestos as a building material, Thalidomide as a morning sickness relief medication and the Boeing Super Max saga are case examples.

The people of Toowoomba are not stupid. Had council proposed recycled water for uses other than drinking, a more favourable outcome would have been achieved.

Rather than listening to her constituents, Ms Thorley, like others in previous government positions including Lyle Shelton (local), Campbell Newman (State)and Bill Shorten (Federal), followed her own agenda, ultimately paying the price.

Finally, I opine that if, as suggested, sewage is to be pumped into dams by other councils, the public will object as a majority with sales of bottled water increasing.

KAI DAHL, Toowoomba

Originally published as Toowoomba residents wouldn't drink recycled water