Because what inevitably happens is that people are drinking substandard water, waiting for some promise to upgrade their system. The promises are made, but in reality are rarely kept.
Conditions worsen, while the populations simply evaporate.
Citizens need a more honest answer to what they can expect. We have heard from many local individuals and states, who have looked into their bank accounts and who feel they do not have the finances to pay for the water systems they need. When we look at the reality of the federal budget, we have to realize we do not have the money there to simply start another new grant program to fund the projects requested before this Subcommittee. That power could be sold at market rates and the resulting revenue, above the cost of production, could be use to finance water projects. While the Department supports efforts to meet the water needs of rural communities, we remain concerned both about contributing to overlap in the myriad of Federal programs and projects already authorized, the impacts of the projects on Reclamation's overall budget, and our ability to address current obligations and to work with rural communities in the future to identify and assist them in addressing their water management needs.