Board hopefuls discuss water supply

Four Republicans are vying in the Feb. 5 primary for two spots representing District 1 on the McHenry County Board. Incumbent Marc Munaretto faces challenges from Robert Bless, Lowell Cutsforth and Bill Yocius. Here are their thoughts on an issue selected from a Daily Herald questionnaire sent to each candidate.

Q. Experts predict portions of McHenry County will not have adequate water supplies by 2030. How will you ensure the region has enough water?

Bless. It is my understanding that the Baxter and Woodman study made presumptions of certain situations that would create that outcome. I believe we must look toward passive water conservation and protection of our ground water. An example of one simple contribution would be restrictions on sprinkling. It is my understanding that there is a ground water task force which is looking into options.

Cutsforth. The county board has already appointed a water resource manager, which is a good first step. I would encourage passive water conservation throughout the county, but would identify those areas that would be most susceptible to water shortages and advise the residents and businesses accordingly. I'd also coordinate with the municipalities and enact water restrictions in the areas of the county with the most seriously predicted shortages. I would identify other sources of water such as man-made lakes. Finally, I would proceed urgently with the county's plan of identifying ground water recharge areas and restrict development in those areas.

Munaretto. I have consistently supported the county board's efforts to both study groundwater issues and to determine what the county can do to protect its water supplies. The county's problem is clear: municipalities in the southeast and, perhaps, part of the southwest parts of the county are approaching a time when they will be pumping more water than can be recharged in the aquifer. I will devote my energies as a county board member to water conservation efforts; to recycling waste water for alternate uses; and to the examination of ways to better regulate water usage in the county.

Yocius. By naming Cassandra McKinney as the water resource manager, the county has taken a good first step. Like so many of the other issues listed above, this is one which will require the cooperation of the local towns and villages to begin a strong planning and evaluation program. We need to identify possible new sources as well as identify future usage requirements. We had this issue in Fox River Grove during my term as village president and we were able to both improve the quality of our drinking water as well as to fund additional sources through effective water resource and usage planning.