Area's water rights, supplies inadequate

The waters flowing through Stimson Lumber land continue to be held hostage to the threat of Clagstone Meadows, the 1200-unit development being reviewed by the county commissioners. The developers intend to impound these carefree waters, increasing the overall size of their lakes 15-20 times.

Solid evidence shows inadequate water supplies and rights. The county’s comprehensive plan and Title 12 clearly state new developments should be adequately served by water.

The developers feel the big boys, state and federal, should handle these complex water issues. They emphasized, often, that the county commissioners needn’t worry their pretty little heads about water. They’d just impound those sneaky drops trying to flee their property, and use the slippery rascals to supplement their own inadequate supplies.

Idaho Department Water Resources, DEQ, and Army Corps of Engineers are indeed the go-to guys governing water rights. This includes impoundment of waters, and denying those downstream their use. It doesn’t mean the county officials should abandon their responsibility to consider the repercussions of allowing a development to proceed without demonstrating sufficient water availability and legal rights.

According to Dave Tuthill, former Director Idaho Department of Water Resources 2007-2009, “Water capability is a shared jurisdiction between county and state.”

Careful consideration now could prevent the ramifications of judicial reviews later, which would cost the taxpayers money.

I hope the county commissioners take a realistic look at Clagstone Meadows. I also hope that those rascally waters are still allowed to flow through and replenish the thirsty plants, animals, and people downstream, who watch and wait.

JANICE ABEL

Athol