Dear Editor,

Please add my voice to the resounding opposition from area residents regarding the Denver Water’s application to increase Gross Reservoir. Please deny their request for a waiver stating that they don’t need to comply with Boulder County Land Use Code.

No doubt you are receiving detailed information about the environmental impacts from this proposed project from experts in the field. I won’t fill this communication with the long litany of environmental devastation to our beloved western Boulder County.

Instead, I appeal to your better angels as you consider this decision.

As a society, we are evolving to a place of enlightenment, where we understand our interconnectedness to all things. We are growing our understanding of how every land use decision impacts the natural environment and these impacts need to be considered deeply.

Draining and storing more of the Colorado River is not the answer for addressing current and future droughts in our state.

Studies have shown that conserving water is the most effective path. My understanding is that it would be much more cost effective for Denver Water to provide funding for energy efficient plumbing fixture upgrades for all their users and they would achieve the same desired outcome. Let’s not enable the overuse of water, treating it like an infinite commodity, which of course, we know it is not.

As a resident of Coal Creek Canyon, you represent hope for me and my neighbors. We have faith in you that you will do the right thing. Please don’t let us down.

Respectfully yours,

Karen Gerrity
Wondervu