From Arlo Paust

Blanchardville

To the editor:

It has recently come to my attention that some individuals in this area of the state do not seem to care about water quality. A prominent local politician even claimed people who weren’t born in their county were unqualified to have their voices heard on the subject. It is disheartening to learn that such individuals hold high political positions, but let us all be aware that we can make change and do not have to remain victim to them.

As somebody who was “born here,” I am apparently qualified to voice my opinion. Let us think about our ancestors. Why did they come to this area of the country? After mining resources dwindled, European immigrant “newcomers” came to the Driftless area. Some say it was simply the next western frontier while others point to how the Driftless land resembled the European landscape.

However, it is documented that water quality was a big draw as well. Onun Bjorn Dahle specifically chose Perry Township of Dane County as his home in 1853 because of its water quality: “I thought the water was so good there and that in other respects it was a healthy place in which to be.” He remained, excelled, raised a family, and a Norwegian settlement and village named Daleyville grew around him.

Health was a major concern of our ancestors. In letters sent to one another, wishing “good health” was a standard greeting. The Driftless area’s abundance of spring water flowing out of its numerous hillsides was valuable when Cholera was a dangerous and prevalent disease typically contracted from infected stagnant water where the deadly bacteria could grow. Earlier Norwegian settlements on the plains to the East of Madison had experienced epidemics of the disease and were seen as “unhealthful.”

So, let us learn from our ancestors. Even though they were not “born here,” they knew water was important. They knew water does not grow in plastic bottles on grocery store shelves. Our ancestors never would have thought it was ok to disregard a study informing the public of water contamination issues. Some countries and regions of the United States no longer have any clean water and that could easily happen to us. I wish you good health.