HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/20/2017 Item 15, Carmel
Purrington, Teresa
From:Tim Carmel <tcarmel@carnaclaw.com>
Sent:Monday, June
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Lichtig, Katie
Subject:Corporation Yard Well Access
Dear Madam Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I hope you are doing well.
I am writing in regard to the proposal on your June 20, 2017 agenda (tomorrow night) to eliminate public access to
the Corporation Yard Water Well (Well). I want to make sure you are aware of the vitally important resource that
the Well has become to a significant number of homes located on O’Connor Way, just outside City limits, but within
the San Luis Obispo Valley Groundwater Basin. There are more than a dozen homes located in this area that rely on
the Well to meet the basic water needs of our families.
Although the wet winter has improved our water situation, water levels in our wells are still very
low and water quality is poor due to the high mineral content. I realize this Well was originally
established to serve construction-related activities, but because of the impact to our water wells
caused by the severe drought conditions over the last 6 years, the families in this area have come to
rely on this critical resource to meet their water needs.
I understand that use of the Well must be temporary and that it cannot serve as a permanent water
supply. Recognizing that the dry weather pattern may last for decades or longer, a group of property owners in the
area have been and are actively pursuing a long term water supply solution, including forming an assessment
district or possibly a county service area. However, that is a cumbersome process that will take some time. Please
consider allowing the current permit program to continue in place with modifications that staff deems necessary.
I understand that City staff may want to close the Well due to problems with the public's use of it; however, that’s
the easy answer. Regulation of its use can be fixed. I also understand that dealing with the Well has become a
hassle for City staff, but for me and for my neighbors, it has become a way of life. The alternative is going to be
getting water from even further out, which doesn't make sense. This is an opportunity to help those in
need...doesn't that seem like the right thing to do?
Our ability to continue to live in our homes in this unincorporated area immediately adjacent to the City may be
jeopardized if this important resource were to be taken away. I ask that you please keep that in mind as you move
forward with this important agenda item.
Thank you for your consideration,
Tim Carmel
2070 O’Connor Way
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93405
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