The Hidden Dangers of Radiofrequency Technology in Winnipeg

Anne Appeal to Winnipeggers: Say No to the New Water Meters!

by Anne Thompson

Winnipeg is planning to install new water meters that use wireless technology to transmit data. These water meters use radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) to communicate with a central system. While the city claims that these water meters are safe, efficient, and accurate, some citizens are concerned about the potential health and environmental impacts of this project. In this article, I will argue that the new water meters pose serious risks to the well-being of Winnipeggers and that more research and consultation are needed before making such a decision.

The new water meters are part of a $135 million project that aims to replace the existing meters that are manually read by city staff. The new meters will use RF technology to send data wirelessly to a network of collectors and gateways that will relay the information to the city’s billing system. The city says that this will improve the accuracy and efficiency of the water metering system and reduce the costs of manual reading. However, the city has not provided enough information on the safety and efficiency of the new technology, nor has it consulted the public adequately on this matter.

One of the main concerns about the new water meters is the health effects of RF exposure. RF is a type of EMF that can penetrate the human body and cause biological effects. According to Health Canada, RF exposure can cause heating of the tissues and organs, which can lead to thermal stress, burns, or damage. RF exposure can also cause non-thermal effects, such as changes in the activity of cells, genes, or enzymes, which can lead to adverse health outcomes, such as cancer, reproductive problems, or neurological disorders. Health Canada sets guidelines for the safe exposure levels of RF, based on the scientific evidence available. However, these guidelines are not legally binding and do not account for the long-term and cumulative effects of RF exposure, especially from multiple sources and devices.

The new water meters will increase the RF exposure of Winnipeggers, as they will be installed in or near their homes and workplaces, and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The city has not disclosed the exact frequency, power, or duration of the RF signals that the new water meters will use, nor has it conducted any independent testing or monitoring of the RF emissions from the new water meters. The city has also not provided any evidence that the new water meters comply with the Health Canada guidelines or that they are safe for humans and other living organisms. Moreover, the city has not considered the possible interactions or synergies of the RF signals from the new water meters with other sources of RF, such as cell phones, Wi-Fi, smart meters, or 5G networks, which are becoming more prevalent and powerful in our society.

Another concern about the new water meters is the environmental impact of RF exposure. RF can affect not only humans, but also animals, plants, and microorganisms, which are essential for the functioning and balance of the ecosystems. RF can alter the behavior, physiology, and morphology of living organisms, as well as their interactions and relationships with each other. RF can also affect the soil microbiome, which is one of the most important and complex components of all terrestrial ecosystems, as it harbors millions of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses, and protozoa. The soil microbiome plays a crucial role in the capture and storage of carbon, which is vital for mitigating climate change and maintaining the health of the planet. RF can disrupt the soil microbiome and affect its diversity, composition, and function, which can have negative consequences for the carbon cycle and the environment.

The new water meters will increase the RF exposure of the environment, as they will be installed in or near the soil, water, and vegetation, and will emit RF signals constantly. The city has not assessed the potential environmental effects of the RF emissions from the new water meters, nor has it consulted the environmental experts or stakeholders on this issue. The city has also not taken into account the possible cumulative and long-term effects of the RF exposure on the environment, especially in combination with other environmental stressors, such as climate change, pollution, or land use change. Furthermore, the city has not evaluated the possible alternatives or solutions to the RF technology, such as wired or optical fiber connections, which could reduce the RF exposure and the environmental impact.

In light of these concerns, I urge the city to delay the vote on the installation of the new water meters until further studies and consultations are conducted. I also ask the city to make the Diameter Services report public and to provide more information on the safety and efficiency of the new technology. This is a matter of public interest and public health, and it deserves the city’s careful attention and consideration. As a concerned citizen of Winnipeg, I oppose the installation of the new water meters that use RF technology, and I call for a moratorium on this project until the safety and the necessity of this technology are proven beyond doubt.

As the futurist and author Gene Roddenberry once wrote in his famous Star Trek series, “The past is prologue”. In one of the episodes, The Inner Light, he depicted a planetary species that died after discovering that their technology killed all the microbes in their soil, which led to a mass extinction event. This fictional scenario could become a reality if we do not pay attention to the hidden dangers of RF technology and its effects on our health and environment. We cannot afford to gamble with our lives and our planet, and we cannot rely on the city’s assurances without evidence and transparency. We need to act now and demand more research and consultation on this issue, before it is too late. The future of Winnipeg and the world depends on it.