GROWTH: Water usage should be considered

There was a lot of helpful, though unsettling, information in the article, Our Gem: Climate and Health. Coeur d’Alene Lake is being impacted by global climate changes and local activities, so the community is encouraged to do our part for the good of the lake, tributaries and communities, including water conservation (protecting the aquifer and watershed), and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.

While I agree with the need to care for our lake and rivers, and the climate in general, it is concerning to me that our local governments are taking actions that counter these ideas! If, in fact, our current water usage seems to be significantly impacting our water supplies, why is there such a strong push to take hundreds of acres of open land and build thousands of dwellings? Coeur Terre, for example, has set aside only 18 acres for parks, which is less than 5% of the 442 acres currently being discussed.

The water usage will climb dramatically. The roads, sidewalks, sports courts in parks, houses and buildings will significantly lower the ability of water to be absorbed into the ground to replenish the aquifers, while drainage from them will be sent to the lake and rivers, adding to that dilemma. On hot days, which are increasing, the buildings, roads, and even trails will act as solar collectors. They don’t release heat quickly!

Growth is going to happen. We all know that. But so much so fast?

MICHAEL BREWER

Dalton Gardens