It is well known to all of us who live in the San Luis Valley that we are not having just a moderate nor a severe drought, but rather we are experiencing an extreme drought. So, it was encouraging to read the article in the September 7th edition of the Valley Courier that the voluntary water restrictions were successful because there were enough environmentally and community minded residents who participated.

However, it was disappointing to read that not only did Adams State University not step up and be an example to the community in conserving our most precious resource, but it actually used 14 percent more water this year than last. And why? So that prospective students would see green grass? I don’t accept that excuse and doubt that others like me who followed the suggested restrictions do either. It was irresponsible for the college to not reset their sprinklers to conform to the voluntary restrictions. Whoever made the decision to pump more water on ASU’s grass should be ashamed. How much more successful would the program have been if the university and other commercial users had participated. So, did those of us who cut back usage and followed the guidelines do it so that ASU could use more water?

The most clueless comment in the article came from Councilman Griego who essentially said that residents shouldn’t conserve because the city needs to sell more water for the revenue. What a ludicrous thing to say. I’m confident that the city can find more ways to keep the system running, and conserve the water. Those in our city government could learn much from the City of Santa Fe when it comes to water conservation. If the drought continues, I suggest that the city make the restrictions mandatory and apply them to all water users, even Adam State University.

Sincerely,

Michael Marchildon

Alamosa