Buyer beware

Posted on: jamacsadmin

Shannon LeClair – Times Reporter

During the week of June 19, a number of residents called the Town office, and EPCOR about a water testing company called H20 canvassing the town.
A representative from the company was going door to door telling residents they would like to test water quality and hardness. 
A few of the residents who called in indicated the company was acting on behalf of the town.

“The Town and EPCOR have not hired this organization to provide water testing services. This is an unsolicited sales effort by this company and residents should use ‘Buyer Beware’ efforts in determining if they would like to have their water tested,” said Jesse Parker, Director of Engineering and Operations for the Town of Strathmore.
Parker said water testing is performed throughout the Town by EPCOR, and is a requirement of Alberta Environment Approval to operate waterworks system.
Senior Peace Officer Gary Abel looked into the company and found out the salesman was from Star Industries in Calgary.

“When I called them last week they claimed they had only one salesman working the Strathmore area and he could not possibly be misrepresenting himself as he had been ‘trained,’” said Abel.

Abel said he then advised the company they had not been working with a valid business license since December of 2009. He also informed the company the Town would be reviewing the situation and discussing whether a license would be issued.

“This morning (July 27) they called me back and apologized for the issues and will not be in Strathmore again,” said Abel.