Towns’ water management needs competition

The recent water main break in Aurora (“Lawsuit: Aurora crews caused wheelchair pad to collapse,” Sept. 19, 2013) should serve as a wake-up call. If taxpayers and ratepayers want to avoid unaffordable utility bills and huge liabilities in the future, they must insist now on more competition in the way public officials manage the water systems.

According to a study released by the National Taxpayers Union, roughly half a trillion dollars in government expenditures could be saved over the next four decades by adopting techniques such as open procurement for pipe materials and better asset management. The Mayors Water Council of the U.S. Conference of Mayors has also voiced support for such processes.

It’s time for community leaders here and across the nation to be more proactive in embracing fiscally responsible approaches to water policy.

Pete Sepp

Executive vice president

National Taxpayers Union

Alexandria, Va.