IT IS ONLY THE GOOD PAST RECORD of the Rome-Floyd County Water & Sewer Department that makes the recent flurry of sewage spills a bit alarming. None of these were large — generally in the 20,000-gallon range or about what it takes to fill an average swimming pool — but four in a single week? For some time now one a month has been notable.

Things happen, of course, and the odds against anything are made to be broken, else there would be no gamblers. Nonetheless, some extra public vigilance may be warranted simply because of the “way things are.”

It is no secret that penny-pinching rules most local governmental operations these days with equipment needing repair or even replacement that supposedly cannot be afforded, with staffing and/or hours reduced. Much of the community infrastructure is owned and maintained by all of us and, like keeping the gutters clear of leaves, can’t be skimped upon without rather unhappy consequences.

Four minor spills in a week is an unlucky break. However, if such a pattern continues there would be clear concerns arising. Vigilance would appear the order of the day on this and many other essential public services usually taken for granted. Pinching pennies always sounds good until it becomes the dollars that start shouting “Ouch!”