Taking water for granted? –Matthew Richard

This LTE appeared in the VDT today. -jsq
In the aftermath of Valdosta’s recent water calamity, it might be a good time to ask whether residents of Lowndes County are taking things like plentiful water for granted? Apparently, the Valdosta City Council is already thinking ahead, for on the agenda of their January 20, 2011 meeting, was a “Consideration of an Ordinance to establish standards for outdoor watering for the City of Valdosta.” One wonders if they’re worried about people watering their lawns in the summer? If that’s the case, it’s good that they acknowledge that the South is in the midst of a long-term drought.

Or perhaps I’m giving Council credit where it’s not due?

Perhaps their real concern is having ample water to supply the biomass incinerator? Remember, that incinerator—a health menace with all of its toxic emissions—will need to suck up 800,000 gallons of water daily, including 50,000 gallons of potable water. That’s water that will be used in the interest of a few out-of-town investors seeking to capitalize on dubious tax subsidies, rather than the good people of Valdosta. And may I just remind everyone that 85% of this water will evaporate into the atmosphere? It will not seep back into the ground and recharge our local aquifers.

Changing climate patterns are the reason that the term “Water Wars” has become the phrase of choice to describe the conflict over water between Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. One wonders if we are inviting our own water war between Valdostans and outside investors. Please call your City Council representatives and ask whose side they’re on.

Matthew Richard, Naylor

LAKE keeps contact information for local elected officials on its web site. -jsq
Valdosta Mayor - John Fretti City Council District 1 - James Wright City Council District 2 - Deidra A. White City Council District 3 - Sonny Vickers City Council District 4 - Alvin Payton Jr. City Council District 5 - Tim Carroll City Council District 6 - Robert Yost City Council At Large - Ben Norton

One thought on “Taking water for granted? –Matthew Richard”

  1. Leigh Touchton

    I can tell readers that James Wright and Sonny Vickers have both publicly endorsed the biomass incinerator. Mr. Wright has stated several times that it is “no more dangerous than blowing sand”. Mr. Vickers has stated publicly that no one in his district is concerned about the health issues and that only a small group of attention-seekers who want to see their names in the newspaper are advocating against this incinerator.
    I’d like to urge readers in both Mr. Wright’s and Mr. Vickers’ districts to contact them and demand that they take a stand for the health of the community and vote to not sell graywater to the biomass incinerator.

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