Water plan best left as is

John V. Berberich III Charlottesville
Published: June 13, 2008

I applaud the fine letter from the director of the Nature Conservancy’s Piedmont Program (“Water plan will spring no leaks,” The Daily Progress, June 4). I thought it was a splendid summary of the 50-year water supply plan that was finally approved by the Albemarle Board of Supervisors and Charlottesville Council. 

I am, however, somewhat distressed that the City Council had to qualify its action by adding words regarding further study about dredging. What in the world will further study of that subject do but waste more of our tax dollars for nothing productive? What are the issues about dredging that need further study?

I have written before saying that dredging could be complementary to the accepted plan, but it is only short-term relief and not a positive answer to our problem.

The 50-year plan is positive and the right way to go. It will protect future generations.

Dredging is a maintenance task, like washing the dishes or taking out the trash; it will for a time provide more water storage at our door step, but siltation never stops and the rate thereof will likely increase. 

Let’s get on with the plan!