Cards of thanks
First, I would like to thank the ORE Bill Krause for taking the pressure off last week and filling in with a guest editorial. It was nice to have a break. I encourage others to do the same (limited to 400 words). Fifty-two of you writing an opinion piece would be a nice round number in my estimation.
Next, another thank-you goes to the individuals and businesses who have been doing what they can to help conserve water since the algae outbreak showed its ugly head June 5 at the Marion Reservoir. Some people swung right into action and instituted their own water conservation measures. Some businesses did the same. Westview Manor had a water crisis plan in place and have been implementing it since the first notices went out June 6 asking for voluntary compliance. No gunching, no whining, just cooperation from a good-sized establishment in the community. "We want to do our part." That is what they said. Talk about good neighbors! And they are not the only ones. To the rest of you who are shutting off sprinklers, making sure you have a full load in the dish washer or washing machine, fixing leaky faucets, or not washing your cars, we all appreciate your efforts.
We are not at a major crisis stage yet. The "water police" are not on patrol. It's OK to take a bath, pour a pitcher of water on those two little tomato plants in your backyard, or ask for a glass of water at the restaurant if you want one. At this stage the city and the water operators are just asking you to exercise restraint. Take a page from the Westview notebook and do your part.
The problem could go on for weeks or even months. Or it might end tomorrow. There is no way to know.
Currently, the city has re-activated the Brooks well and is augmenting water from Hillsboro with water from that city well. The well water is treated just as it was before we began receiving water from Hillsboro. You may notice hard water deposits on your dishes and appliances again. That's OK, we've all done this before.
And we should remember that the Brooks well is only one well. Previously the city pumped water from four wells, so the need to conserve is still with us.
Thanks again to those of you who are doing your part.
As for those of you entitled folks who think the conservation rules are for everyone but you, you surely know what the rest of us think of you.
And, yes, we all know you don't care. That is precisely the point.
— SUSAN MARSHALL
