When in drought, tough questions arise. Like these:
• Should state and/or local government have greater power to limit the use of water, including private wells, in times of water shortage? If so, what should that power be?
• Should all users of water over a certain threshold (i.e. 25,000 gallons per day) be required to register their use with the state?
• Is the state making efficient use of its water supply? Should more be done with the reclaiming and reuse of water?
How would you answer? The North Carolina Environmental Review Commission wants to hear your perspective. The ERC is conducting a comprehensive study of water resources in the state, and while there are no specific changes proposed as yet, input from the public may shape possible legislative changes on this front. The above questions are just a handful of concerns the ERC hopes to address through a series of upcoming statewide public hearings.
Asheville’s hearing will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at A-B Tech’s Simpson Auditorium this Wednesday, Jan. 9. Anyone is welcome to drop in and share their insights.
— Rebecca Bowe, contributing editor
