Seriously - the guy works for the water dept...and he does this?
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Even the excerpt says the reservoir had been drained for maintenance BEFORE this guy took a leak.
Besides, reservoir waters go through various purification processes before reaching the faucets in the houses and businesses.
The company I work for designs, among other things, reservoirs, storage tanks, treatment plants, and water distribution systems for water. I’ve even done my fair share of waterline design. So I think I can skip the educational seminars on water treatment here.
But here’s the thing. Our field personnel (surveyors and construction observers) know with great certainty that their job will be in jeopardy if they take a leak outside. They always have to find a porta-john...or hop in the truck and go find a gas station. You see, its really bad public relations to have people urinating outdoors. Its not professional, and really shows you don’t give a rat’s behind about your job.
So if I’m paying a guy six figures, I expect him to be smart enough not to whiz outdoors. And I especially expect him to not do something as stupid as pee in the reservoir.
But lets turn this around. Lets say, instead of a city employee, it was John Q. Public peeing in the reservoir. What would happen? Would people defend him and wax on about the effectiveness of water treatment? Of course not - he would be arrested. So why on earth would anybody defend the gubmint employee who, according to the story, regularly whizzed in the reservoir?
Quit giving government workers a pass, and expect more than mediocre. The man should be fired, plain and simple.