Steinman arrived at the meeting. Johnson said changes in land ownership in anticipation of urbanization frequently alters commitment to conservation. He also noted there are conflicts involving issues of noise, dust and use of pesticides when acreage or urban development is located next to agricultural use. Johnson said water quantity and quality is also an area of concern. He noted that major portions of the southern and eastern sections of the County, including rural communities, are supplied by rural water.
Expansion is limited, due to water capacity and pipe line.
In response to a question from Hudkins, Johnson said the NRD was involved in an initial study of interest and cost of a developing a rural water supply and distribution system in the western section of Lancaster County. Two possible water sources were identified, Branched Oak Lake and the Village of Martell, but there does not appear to be enough concentrated interest to finance such a system. He noted that it might be possible to design and justify development costs of rural water systems, if areas of future development were designated in the Comprehensive Plan. Campbell asked which of the two options would be less expensive. Johnson said surface water treatment facilities are more difficult and expensive to maintain.