To the Editor:

I am on the Virgin Valley Water District Board because you voted for me twice to represent you to take care of our water.

But I also have the right to speak as a private citizen because my personal concerns are as important as yours.

During public comments at the Mesquite City Council meeting on October 13, 2015, I asked that the mayor, staff and developers do their due diligence about water availability in light of plans to develop the new freeway exit at mile 118. It is important that this community know, for sure, that there is sufficient water into the future for water intensive businesses such as truck stops.

Anyone who cares about our community surviving should have water concerns. Southern Nevada has been in a 15-year drought. No one knows for sure how much water is in Basin 222 where the majority of our potable water is derived. VVWD has gotten legislation passed to change will serve letters so it can get payment for promised water that hasn’t been used, or get it back so it can provide needed water now or in the future.

VVWD does have a master plan that was passed in 2012 before the approval of the new freeway exit. But a plan is only a plan and subject to change. It is prudent to make decisions based on current information and not make assumptions, especially on such a critical commodity as water.

While volunteering at the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, I would answer the question posed by prospective businesses and residents — do we have enough water? It is the most vital question in a desert community in a drought region.

Therefore, as a private citizen, I am asking that the mayor, staff and developers insist on adequate verifiable information that there is sufficient water to carry out plans being developed for the freeway exit at mile 118. I hope you will join me and ask that question too.

Sandra Ramaker
Mesquite