File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Noble Creek residents deserve a better shake

Aug 11, 2023 | 5:35 AM

RESIDENTS CONNECTED TO THE NOBLE CREEK water supply are a month away from having the system decommissioned. The system isn’t working right now, anyway, because the water levels are below the intake pipe. That’s an immediate problem. And it will cost jobs and prevent growers like Thistle Farm’s Dieter Dudy from running a full season. Local growers providing local jobs and bringing fresh, local produce to market will be cutting operations short.

The high heat is a factor, but these growers can operate as long as they have water.

Some history — the system is 120 years old. It has not been properly maintained and it’s only getting worse. There’ve been some minor amounts thrown its way, but not nearly enough to keep it running at full steam. There has been erosion above the intake which adds to the problem.

After examining the situation, the city has chosen not to do anything to fix things. Instead, they’ve done the old pass-the-buck sleight of hand famously used at many levels of government. “We’ll throw a bit of money at things to ease the pain and tell the residents they’re on their own.”

Now each resident will get a chunk of change, and some unspecified guidance to help them design a system.

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It just doesn’t seem fair. The city could have done something in smaller doses to deal with things much sooner. Instead, they delayed and delayed until the task became too expensive.

Now Noble Creek residents have a dilemma. With climate change creating hotter and drier conditions, and water sources not being accessed adequately, residents in the area will have to try to keep things going with little help and expertise available. A daunting task to say the least.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.