The Real Cause of Edmonton's Potholes

What they're not telling us

Not only is the city letting the pothole problem get out of hand, but it seems there are things that they are not telling us about their cause. Residue from a colorless, odorless chemical compound has been found in the potholes and is most likely the real reason that they exist - and the city is ignoring this real cause.

Looking into what causes potholes it appears to be a combination of water and the freeze/thaw cycle - this is normal. What the city isn't telling us though is that the water in Edmonton contains a very high concentration of dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) - a key component of acid rain! This, in conjunction with the excessive litterbugs in this city and the city's inability to clean that up too, have lead to the worst road conditions that this city has seen, and possibly the worst in North America. It's funny that St. Albert doesn't have this problem though. What gives?

When the snow coats the city streets, the city often spreads sand and rock chips to increase traction and facilitate the melting of the snow. These substances cause a chemical reaction and end up producing high quantities of DHMO and other impurities in the melted snow. These seep down into the cracks in the asphalt. During the freeze/thaw cycle it expands and contracts, weakening the structure of the roadway, which is further weakened by the constant traffic. This constant pummeling of the surface could almost be likened to the rubbing of your skin in a new pair of shoes and getting a blister, which eventually pops - leaving an open area on the surface of your skin or on the roadways in our fine city. the only way to fix it up is to cover it - which the city is currently not doing - so it gets worse.

It has also been shown that these DHMO-induced potholes cause road rage and that by not repairing them in a timely manner the city could be on the hook for increased insurance claims - so you end up paying for it in the end.

Not only is dihydrogen monoxide one of the major causes of potholes, but there is evidence that DHMO was found in the ice that was the cause of roof of the Urban Lounge in early March - though the city is keeping this quiet as well! Nobody seems to admit to the problem that this chemical is causing - they'd prefer to keep it all hush-hush!
What can be done about it? First of all, inform yourself of the facts about dihydrogen monoxide - including it's deadly side effects - and tell your neighbors about it. Then make sure that they city knows about repairing the potholes in your area - don't end up like the unlucky lady in Winnipeg who is forced to pay for her own repairs and will lose merit points from her license! How long till something like that happens here? They can't hide behind the evil that is dihydrogen monoxide forever! Make them face the facts, and cover this up no longer.

Note: You can contact the city's Pothole Report Hotline at 496-1700 to report them.