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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 8, 2005 Subdivision residents make case for water hook-up By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune Neighbors from a rural subdivision that is running out of water pleaded their case before the Medford Water Commission Wednesday. A proposal to provide water to the Westwood Subdivision Water District wouldn’t cost the commission any money or any of its existing water, the neighbors said. "We would fund the whole project with grants and funds," said Cliff Beebe, district chairman. The district also would seek its own water rights but would need to use the Water Commission’s lines. The subdivision, located on Ross Lane between Medford, Central Point and Jacksonville, relies on wells. Advertisement Most of the residents want to pay for distribution lines that would connect them to the Medford Water Commission’s municipal supply. The commission turns down eight to 10 requests for service every year from individuals and groups in rural areas, commissioners said. The commission currently extends water service only to areas within urban growth boundaries. Commission member Tom Hall asked what the commission would tell other neighborhoods that have requested water and have been turned down, such as Sunridge Estates east of Medford, Sams Valley and rural areas outside Phoenix. "Are we now the Jackson County Water Commission or are we the Medford Water Commission?" Hall asked. The issue took on political overtones earlier this year when a bill was introduced in the state Legislature to require the commission to provide water to Westwood. The bill was introduced in May by Rep. Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point, who represents Westwood’s district. The bill was withdrawn after Medford Mayor Gary Wheeler sent Richardson a letter suggesting a "good faith" meeting between the commission and Westwood residents. Beebe told the commission there are 62 tax lots and approximately 200 people within the 1950s subdivision with dwindling well systems. During hot months, the wells’ yield is low and many residents haul water, Beebe and Trent Nistler, another district member, told the commission. Beebe said his well produced 20 gallons per minute in February, but only one-quarter gallon per minute in August. That, he said, was typical for other residents. Beebe and Nistler estimate the subdivision would use only 15 gallons per minute, and the water district has agreed to take on all the engineering, pumping and delivering costs. Beebe said as a last-ditch effort the district was prepared to take legal action. "There is a potential for the liability of Medford and the Medford Water Commission," said Beebe. "Medford Water Commission can not simply ignore precedent of supplying districts, new or old." Richardson was in attendance, as was state Sen. Alan Bates, D-Ashland. "Medford has the ability to say, ‘Yes, if you qualify in all these other areas,’ " said Richardson. "They’re asking you to say, ‘yes, if ...’ not, ‘no, because ...’ " he said. Wheeler said the city has to look at managing its water supply for 50 years. "It’s a finite resource," he said. A public meeting is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday in Council Chambers at City Hall, 411 W. Eighth St., but the commission is not expected to vote on the request at that time. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail Subdivision residents make case for water hook-up ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s