Letter writer: Dropping local tap water clears up health problems

Graphic by Lori Deaton

I am a resident of the city of Asheville (the “city”), and I have attempted to obtain public information from various departments from the city of the chemicals present in their water supply. I believe there is a chemical in sufficiently high quantities in the water that is causing me to become ill. Symptoms include wrenching gut pain, pain in my kidneys and liver, loss of appetite, weakness, severely low blood pressure, and which, for me at least, causes a neurotoxic reaction (i.e., the feeling of being electrocuted without the shock).

My symptoms disappeared since shifting solely to an expensive need called bottled spring water, and none of my cooking or beverages are made from local tap water anymore. It works. I feel 100 percent better since dropping the city tap water, and my symptoms have not recurred.

I believe the city is allowing, and it is my basic understanding as a layman, too much of all, any combination of, or one of, any chemical(s) to remain present post-process in the water supply, that exist at the source at elevated levels, to remain post-process at levels that can be dangerous to one’s health (my own health as testament). …

Further, since this matter involves public health, I wanted to “go public” to see if there was anyone else in the city who might also be having similar symptoms and reaction to the drinking water, and I believe your paper/journal, the Mountain Xpress, can assist me in getting in contact with those people. Otherwise, my search for a cure is a “David versus Goliath” battle I could not possibly win against the city. If anyone out there is having the same problems drinking the local water, please contact me so we can document it, and get it properly addressed by the city.

 —Vasco Sena
Asheville

Editor’s note: Asheville’s Communication & Public Engagement Division notes that Mr. Sena’s home is on the Woodfin water system, which Mr. Sena confirmed. In a subsequent email, Sena noted that his exposure to Asheville’s tap water had been during his work providing in-home care to his nursing assistant clients and at businesses on the Asheville water system. He offers: “I have to add that it appears to me that these symptoms are not wholly Asheville-related, but might be emblematic of the water provided throughout the state of North Carolina, as I have had the same problem at my daughter’s house in Fayetteville, during the three years I lived in Albemarle, and during the last year of living here in Asheville. I felt that finally there was something wrong, and as anyone is wont to do, I first blamed myself and my own health for the problems. But upon curtailing my drinking of tap water, my problems have not recurred.”

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

4 thoughts on “Letter writer: Dropping local tap water clears up health problems

  1. UninformedSwingVoter

    I drink only tap water, straight from the faucet, and I have no problems. Have you talked to your doctor (no, obviously, this is just another fluoride-is-bad article.)

  2. Slappy Cat

    There is a spring on NC 9 just out of Black Mountain. The water is fabulous, and free. Just bring some jugs and know your feet are going to get wet. You don’t need to waste your money on bottled water.

  3. Jason W.

    I hear that tinfoil placed on the top of the head in a hat-like fashion helps to filter out all those bad chemicals that the evil city is poisoning it’s citizens with.

Leave a Reply to UninformedSwingVoter ×

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.