Don't ration water; ration new development

New development marches on at the same time we are asked to conserve water. Is the water we conserve going to new development?

A “wake-up” call to conserve water by Water Authority Director Arant in his “opinion” article [7/21/07] overlooks an important factor in coping with our water problems. We are not mandated to accommodate the millions of people he says are expected in the future.

We do need additional reservoirs to sustain our existing supplies due to the negative long-term effects of climate change on snow packs and prolonged droughts, and we should conserve water during temporary shortages. On the other hand, we should not have to cut back present use or pay higher rates to supply water to new development – unless we chose to.

Arant expresses concern for agricultural water needs yet his agency is cutting agricultural water 30 percent in January while they continue to provide water for new development. How about rationing new development for a change?

Glenn Carroll