Water rates manageable

The water rate restructuring and fee increases for water have caused concern and some confusion. As I understand it, the higher rates will be felt during the summer for those of us with a landscape to maintain and then decrease for most of us in winter. As a director of a social service agency, I know how increases in living expenses affect families.

I became proactive about our water use this year and reduced each irrigation zone by three minutes, resulting in a lower bill than last year. I have a double corner lot and keep our garden green and well-watered.

In our region, we have come to expect a cheap, endless supply of water. Maintaining a sound infrastructure that will work during a fire or other emergency should be a high priority. In reality, some of our infrastructure is over 100 years old and in danger of failing.

Rebuilding will be expensive; however, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to make this investment in our city. Water doesn’t deliver itself. Small changes in our water use can keep our bills manageable without compromising our present and future quality of life.

Ken Briggs

CEO, Spokane Valley Partners

Spokane