Recently, the Herald has published stories on early snowmelt, wildfire resiliency codes, and thin snow in Silverton. La Plata West Water Authority has just enacted Stage 1 water restrictions — all of the county is affected by drought conditions, which affect approximately 51,000 residents.
On March 25, the Herald published a story about Chapman Hill using 2.7 million gallons of water — 700,000 gallons more than usual — to keep the ski hill operational, which benefited “5,700 skier visits” (presumably some were repeat customers, so not 5,700 individuals).
Whether you acknowledge it or not, the climate is changing — winters are milder, it’s warmer earlier, and drought is likely. The land is more prone to wildfire.
Maybe it’s time to consider how we “spend” our precious water resources?
Lisa Fletcher
Hesperus
