The strong commitment that we made to stop ski area snowmaking from harming our streams needs to be applied to all of our water supplies. Continuing to drain streams to dangerously low levels not only hurts wildlife and recreational uses, but also fuels talk of expensive investments for new water sources. Other water systems should follow this lead and reduce water use now, not wait for disaster to strike. Currently about a half dozen water systems in Vermont suffer due to low water levels. One is hauling water to its customers.
Water conservation is a proven, effective hedge against drought, as well as a sound investment.
They also can postpone or reduce the cost of expensive expansion, and stand in a better position to promote economic development. The State of Vermont plays a critical role here. Recent state legislation acknowledges the importance of water conservation and directs all state agencies to consider water conservation possibilities in all of their decisions. But Vermont needs to do more. For example, when permitting new systems, the State should require that conservation measures be in place.