We need to use water more wisely

It frustrates me to no end to read of the ongoing efforts to get Lake Michigan water pumped to communities in North and West Lake County. There are rules and regulations in place to prevent this sort of thing from happening.

Why?

They exist to discourage the over-dependence, over-use, and abuse of one of the world's greatest resources--the fresh water of Lake Michigan. Where do claims to this water end? McHenry? Do we pump it all the way to Rockford?

As we grow and expand, almost without pause, the demand for more water in Lake County only increases.

Being a society based on consumption, our natural reaction is to secure more water. This is what drives me crazy. Just like with taxes, maybe we could be smarter about how we use water. Maybe we could focus on using less water.

Using less water is something we can do today!

Rain barrels, sensor faucets, low-flush toilets, and drip irrigation are great ways to reduce our consumption of water.

We have heard or read about the drought in the southeast this year. It's hard to find parts of our country that haven't endured drought or water shortages over the last ten years. In some of these places, we have seen innovation in technologies and public policy, and an increased appreciation of water. Rebates for water saving devices, greater over-site of water usage, and education are things municipalities can do to improve how we use water.

I am not totally opposed to the idea of Northern Lake County Planning Group communities getting Lake Michigan water.

I just hate the fact that they want to spend $178 million to supply us with even more water we can waste, instead of using common sense. Common sense tells me we should be protecting our aquifers, requiring all new construction to use water saving devices, and offering rebates to people who retro fit with water saving technology.

We don't need more water, we need more common sense.

Scott Frillman

Antioch