We can control growth

Why approve new development during anticipated water shortages?

I attended the Town Hall meeting October 17 and witnessed a big disconnect between plans for growth and water supply. Our Water Authority Chairwoman emphasized they were not in the land use business, saying their job is “to respond.” I interpret that to mean the

county makes plans to cope with projected population growth 20 years out and the Water Authority accommodates with plans for water supply.

On the surface this sounds okay, but things change – like prolonged

droughts. On paper there is enough water, but much of it speculative,

like water to be gained from conservation. Point being that much of the future supply is paper water, but nonetheless it’s in print. This may be why another water official stated, “If a water district refused service, but had the supply…they would be sued.”

If they truly have water, why the cutbacks? If they argue the shortage is temporary, they should read the papers.

Most of our agriculture has contracted to buy surplus water at reduced rates subject to a 30-percent cutback during shortages

– which is now the case. The rub is the cutback water is then used for

new development, in effect giving growth priority over existing customers. Same case with water we are asked to conserve.

If the shortage continues – and all data indicates it will – the need for further cutbacks will be compounded with each new development. There are more than 5,000 housing units in the planning mill.

We can’t control Mother Nature, but we can control growth.

Glenn Carroll