I have been informed that misinformation is being spread in connection with my public comments on future water availability and would like to clarify my position on this important issue.

I strongly support efforts to understand the state of our limited water resources so that we can make good decisions as a community. This does not mean we need to “invade” other people’s property or privacy. It does mean, however, that we need to conduct hydrologic studies to get up-to-date information. The last good water resources study was in 2002, 22 years ago. That study is currently being updated – using publicly known information on our well pumping rates from our managed water systems and good estimates of our aquifers’ total recharge rates based on rainfall measurements.

In 2002, the Basin Assessment Study showed that groundwater use was 14 percent of the recharge rate, which is less than the recommended 20 percent benchmark for sustainable use. The county has experienced significant growth since 2002. We do not know if we are still using our water at sustainable levels or have exceeded that due to population growth. The results of the study now underway will give us the answer that is critical to planning future land use in our county. This should be a concern for all of us who care about the future of our islands.

Kari McVeigh

Candidate, County Council District 1