The impending water war

Some think that if you ignore a problem it could go away. There is a problem in Charles County that if it is ignored, it will go away. That problem is water supply.

Presently, there’s a battle over the Watershed Conservation District. Winning that battle with an adopted WCD avoids a real war that otherwise will come: the water war.

One of the goals of the WCD is to tamp down sprawl growth not only to conserve Mattawoman Creek, but also to conserve drinking water.

Some folks don’t want restrictions on development. But if something isn’t done now, there will be major restrictions on water consumption, or there will simply be no water at all, or no development at all.

There is no comprehensive plan for water supply in the [county’s] comprehensive plan. There have been studies, but no clear course of action to solve the problem.

For those who are new to Charles County or unaware, the comprehensive plan tells that the county presently has no means to supply enough water for the demand by 2040. The aquifers could be depleted.

Someone who just bought a house could need a new source for water, could face water restrictions or have no water at all before their mortgage is even paid off.

New businesses will refuse to locate here with an uncertain water supply. Present businesses will compete with residential development for supply, will see their costs increase and their profits evaporate.

Charles County is having growing pains. One of the oldest counties in the country is the youngest when it comes to infrastructure, especially waterworks. Hooking up with WSSC is not an option for remote areas. Reverse osmosis is extremely expensive, has some environmental drawbacks and is not yet viable. Water is not free. Water is colorless.

2040 is not that far away. Charles County needs to face the costs of development. The Watershed Conservation District does that by greatly reducing water demand and avoids having to pay the piper.

Mary Pat Doherty, Nanjemoy