For one Arizona woman, it’s been a case of don’t drink the water, but don’t complain about it, either.
Emily Hughes of Johnson Ranch, Ariz., posted a video online of what she claimed to be yellow water coming from her kitchen faucet. More shocking than the alleged discoloration, however, has been the utility’s response to her — Johnson Utilities is taking legal action against Hughes for her online posting, television news station KTVK reported.
“This is my lawsuit that I was served,” Hughes told the news outlet, holding a stack of legal papers.
Johnson Utilities is suing her for defamation, seeking $100K in damages for making disparaging postings with the intent to harm the company.
Hughes’ lawyer, Marc Victor, said his client’s actions do not amount to defamation, and the plaintiffs are going to have to prove a couple of things: one, that Hughes’ statement was false, and two, that she made it with reckless disregard for the truth. Victor said Hughes’ actions do not meet either standard.
“Emily didn’t wake up in the morning and decide to be upset with Johnson Utilities,” Victor said.
The lawyer told the news outlet that he offered the utility a proposition to have the water tested by a third party. In the meantime, a support group has set up a website to help Hughes with the legal costs of the lawsuit.
This is not the first time that this particular water company has been in the news. KTVK reports there have been a number of complaints about water pressure and quality.
“There’s a lot, a lot of concern out there. I think it’s not just me that wants to make sure that there’s safe water,” Hughes said.
Check out a TV news report from KTVK below.
