As one of your neighbors in Durham, I thought you folks downstream from me ought to be filled in on what's happening up here to your drinking water sources. I'm sure you haven't forgotten the drought we just went through, and how precious and expensive every drop became. We all had to work together to save water, but we came together and did it, because that's what neighbors do. In fact, each of us learned from our parents or pastors that we should treat our neighbors as we would like to be treated. Unfortunately, Durham's policy makers and politicians have forgotten that simple lesson of being neighborly and protecting our drinking water.

On Oct. 12^th, Durham County Commissioners Brenda Howerton, Joe Bowser, and Michael Page voted in favor of weaker Jordan Lake boundaries in a case that begins to pave the way for a developer to profit by building on land far too close to the lake. Jordan Lake is a drinking water source for Wake and Chatham counties. The Durham Planning Commission overwhelmingly recommended against approving the development due to the poor location too close to the drinking water reservoir. Yet the Durham County Commissioners disregarded the well-being of their neighbors and voted its approval.

What's worse is that Durham's ordinances already didn't afford the drinking water for neighboring counties with the same strong protection as Durham's own current water supply, Lake Michie. This new development wouldn't be allowed anywhere near Lake Michie. It's a rather un-neighborly double standard. This case now adds to the problem.

Commissioners Bowser and Howerton are on the record as having received considerable campaign contributions from some of those profiting from the Jordan Lake development. There are those of us in Durham who believe they should have recused themselves from the case in the first place. They claim that the new neighborhood and shopping center will bring tax revenue to Durham. The tax revenue brought in by these types of poorly located developments can't even begin to offset the estimated $570 million it will cost to clean up Jordan Lake and bring it into compliance with clean water regulations.

This is your drinking water, neighbors. Stand up, speak out, and demand action. Let your city and county representatives know that if they don't act, you'll be giving them their pink slip.

LaDawnna Summers