Letter: Manzanita should pay for share of water

The Wheeler and Manzanita City Councils will meet soon to discuss changing the IGA (Intergovernmental agreement) which began 20 years ago and has been updated 2 times. This time the Conservation of the Water Aquifer owned by Wheeler. the councils are trying to lower Wheeler’s U.S. leading water rate from being in line with Mananzita. Currently, Wheeler’s lowest average rate is $76.07 while Manzanita’s is $47.56 a month.

Wheeler council had a workshop this past June 5th. I have been recommending the sharing of the system as it was originally intended. Until now, the importance of water usage, either paid, shared or exploited was not considered. But now with the Mananzita expected growth, Wheeler’s high water rates and Manzanita has been taking approximately 100 million gallons while Wheeler is been taking a little over 21 million, sharing and conservation are at odds. It has been my suggestiion to each city have their share of 20 millions gallons and after that a dollar amount per 1000 gallons would be paid into a fund and then the funds would be split at the end of the year.

Manzanita has been making approximately $900,000 a year for free water for the past 20 years. It is time to share the resources equally. I call it the 20/20 Water Sharing Plan which I encourage both city councils and Wheeler Citizens endorse the plan to save Wheeler. A stronger Wheeler is good for the Nehalem Valley Community.

Gary Gitzen

Wheeler