ustxtxb_obs_2002_12_06_50_00011-00000_000.pdf

41.”.:7,5: Ci Ar 5 `1, ” Facing page: Mission Espada Above: Despite the fact that this resident pays taxes and has a city meter, she does not have water, sewer service, or trash pick up. Left: When this family failed to obtain an easement across a neighboring tract for their water line, the city cut off their water for three months. They hauled water to their house in buckets. tion to water and wastewater service. With the help of Congressman Ciro Rodriguez and Councilwoman Toni Morehouse, the group’s efforts to call attention to the inconvenience and unhealthiness of conditions around the San Antonio missions have borne fruit. Over the last three years, the city has installed sewer mainlines and lateral lines in the neighborhoods. But getting individual houses hooked into the system has been a challenge. Approximately 85 lots still have no sewer service, though many of these residents were promised hookups three years ago. Following a December 2001 survey, the city health department declared 36 residences in the area to be an immediate health risk. “The aquifer is at risk of contamination from the sewage pumped in the septic systems and cesspools,” a memorandum from the city’s Director of Public Health read. In addition to the risk to the immediate communities, the memo also cited a significant health risk to the entire city due to the potential for outbreaks of diseases such as hantavirus and dengue fever, which are caused by poor sanitation and contaminated living environments. 1216/02 . THE TEXAS OBSERVER 11