I had hoped to attend tonight's City Council Meeting to talk about a couple different topics related to water. Well there wasn't a meeting. Anyway, the water related topics: one relates to the maintenance of an Artesian Well in downtown Olympia. The other relates to the restoration of the Deschutes River Estuary.
The Artesian Well is used by a wide variety of community members. It is an attractor, serving to bring people to downtown Olympia. It is also a critical resource for people who need access to the water, for whatever reason. I believe that access to safe, clean, potable water is a human right. The well is important for a number of reasons. Water is a critical element in life, including that of humans. Protecting this community resource, this tremendous community asset, is important. Water is a symbol of our common humanity. It is something we all share. Our bodies are composed of roughly on the order of 70% water. Many people from all socio-economic strata and backgrounds use the well. So let's honor this important community resource and do what it takes to ensure continuing open and free access to this wonderful and magical free-flowing Artesian well water.
Secondly, on the issue of the CLAMP, I am curious about how the City of Olympia is approaching the matter of the Capitol Lake. My understanding is that some deliberations are taking place, or did take place, last week. On this issue I feel it is the right move to work toward restoration of the estuary. This society has committed massive damages against the natural environment. For example, wild salmon runs are decimated. The opportunity to restore the estuary is just that, an opportunity—and an excellent way to move forward as a community in terms of environmental remediation, restoration of an important natural ecosystem, and amelioration of harms relating to our relationship with the natural world.
Peace, Berd
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