Growing Populations Without Water

Once again those concerned about assuring adequate water supply before development is approved are painted as slow-growth advocates by the development community (“Water Report Favors Growth,” Feb. 16). One large developer in particular, Newhall Land & Farming Co., has chanted this mantra ceaselessly to try to deflect criticism over lack of a firm water supply for its 21,600-unit Newhall Ranch proposal.

We cannot solve our water problems by burying our heads in the sand and pretending we have an abundance of supply. We do not. The 1998 edition of Bulletin 160, a statewide report on water supplies published by the Department of Water Resources, predicted about 2 million acre-feet in future deficit, and its updated version, due out soon, may have even more dire predictions. Last year the state Legislature admitted water was indeed an issue and began addressing the problem with the passage of SB 221 and SB 610, bills that ensure that consideration of water supply would occur in the planning process. The public apparently sees things differently, too. What else would explain the growing statewide public interest in watershed protection and water conservation?

Lynne Plambeck

Board Member

Newhall County Water District