We are doing something about Water sustainability in Missouri Heights
Clarification of Groundwater Study: The BWCD's letter to the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) serves to clarify and amplify the findings of the Missouri Heights Phase II Groundwater Monitoring Study completed in March 2020.
Code Rewrite Relevance: The recommendations are crucial for the ongoing rewrite of county codes, specifically concerning the evaluation of land uses in relation to water use and conservation.
Comprehensive Plan Requirements: The study and recommendations are relevant to state requirements that county comprehensive plans must include a water supply element and strategic growth element by December 31, 2026.
Critique of County Review: The BWCD has observed that county planning departments often give excessive deference to the evaluations of applicants' water engineers. They note that the counties' review of water requirements lacks a critical analytical component.
Misinterpretation of Study: Applicant water engineers have allegedly misinterpreted the Groundwater Monitoring Study, incorrectly asserting that more intensive development won't negatively impact the Missouri Heights aquifer.
Cumulative Impact: The letter emphasizes that considering a single property's water use in isolation ignores the collective drain on the aquifer, which is the primary water source for all Missouri Heights residents.
Foundational Consideration: The BWCD suggests that their recommendations should be a foundational consideration for zoning classifications and permitted uses, and should also be used as a reference for future land use applications in Missouri Heights.
READ THE LETTER REGARDING LONG-TERM WATER RESOURCE PLANNING IN MISSOURI HEIGHTS
Concern about long-term water availability: A significant number of respondents are "Very Concerned" about the long-term availability of water in Missouri Heights. Several others are "Somewhat Concerned." A few respondents are "Neutral" or "Unconcerned."
Lack of water as a threat to rural character: Lack of Water" is predominantly ranked as a "High" threat to the rural character of Missouri Heights. Some respondents consider it a "Medium" or "Low" threat, or have "No Opinion.
Advocating for water studies: Advocating for Water Studies to monitor and ensure a sustainable water supply" is largely considered "Most Important" as a key issue for KMOHR to focus on. Some respondents consider it "Somewhat important" or "Neutral."
Additional comments related to water: One comment explicitly states, "Water is the most important thing. Things change, while I enjoy the rural character of Missouri heights, I am more concerned about how it’s changing character would effect all the existing residents and future residences access to water." This feedback highlights a strong and widespread concern among residents regarding water availability and its impact on the rural character of Missouri Heights, with a clear desire for KMOHR to prioritize water studies.