The Plano city council on Tuesday evening will hear a presentation on the city's water quality, which has been under criticism by famed environmental activist Erin Brockovich.
The council meets at 5 p.m. and will hear a presentation from the North Texas Municipal Water District.
Brockovich posted on Facebook last week, warning residents to not trust the district's claims that the Plano water is safe to drink.
The district last week acknowledged a chlorine maintenance program approved by the state and the EPA is causing a smell, but the district maintains that the water is safe.
Families from Frisco to Plano to McKinney are not convinced.
“It’s very strong. It almost smells like a swimming pool,” Leigh Wilcox told WFAA last week. “We’re very concerned, especially having a little one. We’re super cautious about what goes on her body and in her body, because her little brain and organs are still developing. It’s a big deal.”
Julia Roberts played Brockovich in a feature film in 2000. Without a law degree, Brockovich successfully sued a California power company for water contamination.
“When people have water problems, they call Erin Brockovich,” she said in a phone call with WFAA Thursday afternoon. “So, when I wake up in the morning, and there’s about 40 emails all from Plano, Texas, it’s easy to begin to figure out what is happening. I think for a long time we’ve taken it for granted that we turn on the tap and everything is hunky dory, and that’s not the way it is.”
Smith-Stephens welcomed Brockovich’s interest.
“She really kind of brings the spotlight and elevates the seriousness of the matter,” Brockovich said. “We’ve all been talking about it as moms in the area that we’re concerned. I’m excited she’s bringing it to the limelight.”
In a news release, the North Texas Municipal Water District’s Mick Rickman, Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance, said, “Water quality and safety is a top priority, and we work closely with officials in member and customer cities, federal and state agencies to fulfill our mission.”