OPINION — I’d like to share my letter to Congressman Chris Stewart in response to his Letter to the Editor published July 24 on St. George News. I and many residents I have spoken with feel it’s time to realize that there is not enough water to support the growth we have been experiencing. There are areas with water better suited for growth.
We live in a desert with 8-10 inches of yearly rainfall on average. That is not enough to provide adequate water to support the growth we are experiencing here in St. George. Even with the impoundment of water behind our reservoirs, the growth is not sustainable.
Our way of life here in St. George is changing rapidly due to full-throttle expansion. Water is not the only issue, traffic congestion, crime and changing values are all products of rapid growth. These are of great concern to all of the residents I talk with on a daily basis.
The consensus among most people is we need to slow the uncontrolled growth.
Taking a pause to reassess water, planning and other issues is necessary to retain the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in Southern Utah. There are desirable areas in our country with an abundance of water, enough to sustain residential and commercial growth — Southern Utah is not that place.
Submitted by RONALD L. GAUTSCHI, St. George.
Letters to the Editor are not the product of St. George News, its editors, staff or news contributors. The matters stated and opinions given are the responsibility of the person submitting them. They do not reflect the product or opinion of St. George News and are given only light edit for technical style and formatting.