Letter: Cap growth and find other ways to use less water

Friday, March 26, 2004 | 9 a.m.

I am writing in regard to the Southern Nevada Water Authority's proposal to take water from Clark and Lincoln counties. I think it's outrageous to exploit other areas of the state because of our insatiable thirst for water here. Instead of attempting to solve our water shortages by making somewhere else pay, we should be exploring how to save water here first.

In the battle to save water, we should be putting a cap on growth. The carrying capacity of the area was exceeded long ago, but that doesn't mean we need to ignore it now. No more permits to build should be issued until we get a handle on the water crisis.

Also, how about having water meters installed in every apartment unit as another way to save water. Apartment dwellers have very little incentive to save water if they don't get a bill for it every month like homeowners do.

Finally, we must do what we can to stop global warming, which has a direct effect on the water level of Lake Mead -- our primary source of water. We can help by keeping our automobiles tuned up. Better yet, we can join a car pool, walk, ride a bike or take the bus. It also helps whenever we conserve our use of electricity.

It's so easy here in this resort town to forget that we have a responsibility, just like everyone else, to help preserve our precious resources.

DON W. KIMBALL JR.