PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
NORDLAND — It’s easy to oversimplify the debate between Marrowstone Island residents over installing a public water system.
Marrowstone is a “dry” island — private wells now provide most of the water used by homeowners. Some also have rainwater catchment systems — or buy bottled water.
On the surface, yard signs posted by people on both sides narrow the argument to yes or no — with proponents’ red-lettered signs crying “Want Public Water to Conserve,” and opponents asking “Conserve Water First” in blue letters on their placards.
The underlying issues include personal freedom, potential growth on the island and the future of water resources.
A group of Marrowstone residents petitioned Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1 to pipe in water from nearby Port Hadlock because of “saltwater intrusion” — seawater is seeping into many wells as the island’s acquifer drops because of demands.
The system for deciding whether the PUD creates a local utility district — with the ability to assess residents for the cost of installing the system — is also complicated.
All residents who want the system need to do is nothing to “vote” in favor of the idea.
Those who are against it have until noon Tuesday to file their protests at the PUD office, 230 Chimacum Road, Port Hadlock.
PUD commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposal starting at 5 p.m. at the Chimacum fire station, 9193 Rhody Drive.
