Friday, September 2, 2016

Kettleman City Gets Promised Toxic Water Fix

Officials from the State Water Resources Control Board tried to reassure residents of the Central Valley town of Kettleman City this week that clean water is on the way. The town has gained national attention over the years for the battle its residents have waged against the operation of the nearby toxic waste dump, and government agencies, who they say have downplayed their environmental concerns. The city’s well-water is contaminated with arsenic and benzene that naturally occur in the aquifer. The state has been providing bottled water for residential use and has installed water filters at the local elementary school. Four years ago the state promised to find a new drinking water source for Kettleman City but residents are angry that it has taken so long. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.