Ahead?

Friday, January 28, 2022

_{(Jan. “Wolf Moon” is Waning Crescent; New Moon on Jan. 31; Feb. “Snow Moon” rises fullest on 16th.)}

How time flies! We’re about to see this January wind down a new year’s beginning. We’ve not yet received enough snow to create water, eventually flowing from the mountains to feed local agricultural needs and this city’s growing population.

I received this year’s bill from irrigation water management, charging $800.00 for my share of agricultural water. In my early years here, that annual bill averaged $300.00. I have a big rub in that my share represents a sprinkle, but I’m billed near-equal to the most significant water users.

I’m allowed the equivalent of 0.8 acres of water; that’s very little. The neighbors I share water with have larger acreages. My share equals one day weekly of access to irrigation water. I don’t use my allotment because my property slopes, facilitating only runoff and feeding weeds along the outer roadway. I give my share of irrigation water to my neighbors.

The irrigation bill, unless paid, becomes a lien against one’s property. So, gritting my teeth, I’ve paid the bills, even last year’s at $600.00. This year’s bill of $800.00 is a stopping point, forcing an escape from my irrigation water rights and obligations.

Recently, I chatted with my hay supplier. He’s worried about having enough irrigation water this year to grow acres of hay. The irrigation water managers periodically reduce or disallow his allotment. He’s forced to share his yield among customers, says I might receive only part of my needs for horse-feeding.

Hopefully, my water share can be re-allocated toward more significant agricultural needs. Farmers need more water and I’ve no wish for an exorbitant expense.

Droughts raise complicated questions. There are concerns for this city’s future, worries about having large animals, and managing properties private and public. There are concerns about the local popular recreational sports dependent on water that bring tourists and new citizens into this area.

We’re forced to remember, “It’s the economy, stupid!”

Dear Friends: In very challenging times, often, we’re neophytes seeking solutions. Diana