20230714Comments_1.pdf

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The following comment was submited via PUCWeb:

Name: Suzanne Knorr
Submission Time: Jul 14 2023 7:12AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: Highlander Road
Boise, ID 83709

Name of U�lity Company: Veolia

Case ID: VEO-W-23-01

Comment: "Many households have dry wells and were wai�ng for water, some for over a year. I support
construc�ng mainlines because residents have already or may run out of water in their wells in the
future. The rate of development will con�nue and may accelerate if the decisions of our current
commissioners at the city and county levels are any indica�on.

One important considera�on is that when the PUC approves the proposal, it will be a PERMANENT
change in procedure. In the future, if there is a need to install water mainlines, it would simply be a
mater of Veolia nego�a�ng with the local municipality. This would bring Veolia water to affected well
owners faster than the current process. However, our water supply is under the control of a very large
foreign-owned corporate conglomerate whose corporate goals may or may not be in the best interests of
Treasure Valley residents.

Meanwhile, development is in overdrive, and the push is for increased density, which places more
demand on the aquifer. IDWR already established the water table in South and Southwest Boise is
receding by a foot per year. The groundwater flow model was only recently released and scenarios
based on the water flow model have barely begun. Purveyors can simply raise rates on subscribers as
the water table recedes and costs of obtaining water increases. Water is a necessary element for
survival, and as such should always remain affordable. At least in this case, residents do not directly bear
the cost of construc�on and will have reduced costs to hook up in the future under the ARPA agreement.
For these reasons, I support PUC approval."
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