City is not in water 'crisis' situation

Editor,

I read with some concern your article of Jan. 26 regarding the water "stay" voted on at the Polson City Council meeting of Jan. 18. In your article you write that Scott Anderson, the engineer that conducted the water study for the city, said that "the city's system was already almost at capacity and needed upgrades in many areas."

I guess it depends on one's definition of "almost." In fact, during the presentation and in the written document that accompanied the presentation, Mr. Anderson said that under a worst case scenario (my emphasis) the city's water supply would last from three to five years. "Given the projected growth in the Polson area, additional water supply will be necessary in the future within an estimated three to five-year time frame." (City of Polson Preliminary Engineering Report, April 2005).

In a subsequent document, addressed to Mayor Ingram, Mr. Anderson wrote, "… the City is not in a crisis situation with the water supply but must address the problem within the next few years."

My concern is that your summary conveys that we are in a crisis mode while the engineering firms hired by the city tell us this is not the case.

Are there issues to be addressed? Certainly. And this administration is addressing those issues. The administration is working constructively with the Tribes to develop an increase in our supply for the near and intermediate term while, at the same time, working jointly on the long term, final solution to the availability of water for the Polson area.

The administration has also implemented several other steps to address the issues raised by Mr. Anderson in his report. Specifically,

? An additional iron filter has been added for wells 6 and 7

? Unmetered hookups have been reduced and resources are in place to eliminate them

? Water rates were raised so this community can finally qualify for state grants to assist in paying for improvements to our water infrastructure.

? Grants for initial improvements are being prepared at this time

? Continuous small improvements are being made to our water infrastructure on a daily basis.

What is most important for all citizens to know and understand is that there is a prioritized plan for near, intermediate and long term solutions to the city's water issues. These solutions will take some time to implement. It is my intent to work to make these improvements come about without the serious economic damage to our community that would occur if a "crisis" mentality prevails.

Jules Clavadetscher

Councilman, Ward II

Polson