To the Editor:
I think the water surcharge is administered unfairly. Villas with attractive rock and cactus landscaping and no lawns should not have to subsidize houses with extensive lawns, pools that need to be topped off and owners who use excessive amounts of water. A fairer method would be to leave the regular water charge on the first 11,000 gallons. People should not be penalized for using the water they need for their ordinary daily life! Charge 20 or 30 percent more for usage above 11,000 gallons instead of 10 percent.
I can’t believe anyone is considering giving a permit for a water bottling operation in Sumter County at a property known as Fern Spring. Why does anyone allow these operations in an area that has periodic Phase III Water Shortage Orders? They want to pump 496,000 to 892,800 gallons per DAY! How does this make sense in an area where The Villages wants to add something like 1400 new homes? Doesn’t it make more sense to use the water there where it will be carefully conserved versus allowing a company to draw down the aquifer and ship it out of the area?
Pat Baker
Village of Glenbrook
