Erin Brockovich Continues the Fight for Clean Water

Two decades after Brockovich became a household name, we check in with the fearless and ferocious advocate on the state of water safety in America today.

Though Brokovich’s story started when she was an unknown legal researcher working on what turned out to be the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history, her advocacy continues to this day. “They’re not being heard; They’re drinking poisoned water,” she says, explaining that frustrated consumers from all over the country call and email her, sending photos and copies of water bills. “It hasn’t stopped. It doesn’t stop,” adds Brockovich, who was portrayed on the big screen by actress Julia Roberts, who won an Oscar and Golden Globe for the performance. Acknowledging the truth Water contamination is a problem in over two-thirds of the United States. “The problem is here. How are we going to deal with it?” asks Brockovich, who isn’t afraid to ask tough questions or look for connections between illnesses and poor water quality. “For me, I’d rather know the truth, because then I can take the necessary steps to protect my family and my health,” she says. No matter the level of toxins in water, she says the concern is the same: “It’s poison, and I don’t want to drink it.” ProtectingThoughand long“I “I we still still can environmentaltime, believe believe work she’s Brockovichwhenin with peoplebeen people,” these we’re advocatea isn’t consumershe agencies involved, jaded. says.for a andWe water canwe for can work everybody.”work together with for policies. clean communitiesShe’s committed and to protecting bettering “valuable resources” — people. For years, lead and other chemicals in drinking water has been an ongoing problem. Brockovich says now is the time to take action. “People think government is taking care of it, and they’re not,” she says, urging consumers to not be complacent about what she calls a “sad situation.” Joining the fight Water quality, Brockovich believes, “should not be a political issue.” Lawmakers need to work together with honesty and cooperation to ensure water is safe to drink. “It’s going to take everyone,” she says, encouraging concerned communities to band together at the local level. She cites the town of Hannibal, Missouri, where residents were upset about the use of chlorine and ammonia in their community’s water purification process. Residents contacted Brockovich and worked to get a no ammonia referendum on the ballot. They were successful. “That’s the power of people when they are informed,” she says. “Know your facts and get involved.” Staying connected Community meetings are one way to get connected, but, these days, citizens are coming together online, on web sites and forums as well as social media like Facebook and Twitter. Brockovich says social media is a powerful tool, especially since, for many people, seeing is believing. “Once there’s a picture,” she says, people often start to pay attention to an issue. She reminds citizens to stay informed, and, she advises, “don’t be afraid to ask questions.” ■ By Kristen Castillo