Have you heard of the water shortages in the southeastern states? Many of you remember when you or your neighbors in this area had water shortages. We were able to form our water association to provide good, clean water to use. Remembering those shortages makes us ask . . .

What are the recent changes in your water system?

Do you know when the next Water Users Meeting is?

Are the directors voting as you would vote?

Will we always have enough water at an affordable rate?

You may or may not know that this water system is cooperatively owned. Every member has an equal voice in the welfare of our water system.

Each one of us as a member can play a part in the future of our water system. It is my hope to keep our system in the control of the members, who have a voice in all decisions. I want it to remain a not-for-profit system with water rates kept at a minimum.

The members of the water board are all volunteers elected by the members or appointed the board of directors, when a board vacancy occurs. They are not paid and not very often thanked for what they do. Not everyone has the time it takes to serve on the board of directors. Not everyone can attend every meeting, but everyone can support our water system by telling a board member how good a job he or she is doing.

Water costs have gone down recently because leaks were found, reported and repaired. We can keep our water costs at a minimum by everyone pitching in and doing a small part.

Attendance at meetings and communication with directors will allow them to make decisions about our system with the members’ interests in mind. The future of our system is a stake.

Gary Duvall