Annexation and water policy
Saturday's No. 2 editorial.
At first glance, the anger of some being annexed by the city of Greensboro might seem justified. Why should property owners with functioning septic systems and wells be forced to hook up to city water and sewer lines?
The cost, which is likely to run into the thousands, could strain the finances of many households. Who wouldn’t feel doubly put upon having to struggle to come up with the money to pay for services that are seen as unnecessary?
From a short-term view, the city’s edict just seems like big government at its worst. But look at it from a long-term perspective and it makes sense why the city wants to get people to stop using wells and septic systems.
Annexed areas are urbanizing — and so they face urban problems, such as pollutants that can contaminate well water. Development can turn a drinkable well into a hazardous one.
Septic systems have their own pollution issues. While well-maintained systems can run for decades without problems, our area’s clay soil has its limits. Great for making pottery, it’s not the best for perking. “Eventually septic systems fail,” says Allan Williams, the city’s water resources director.
With public health a priority, the city mandates that property owners in newly annexed areas connect to city services within five years when both water and sewer are made available to them. (The mandate doesn’t apply if only one service is built.)
To minimize contamination, the city also requires, after connection, that the septic system be cleaned out, crushed and filled in. Wells are disconnected to avoid the possibility that they could be hooked onto the city system. But they still can be used for irrigation.
Mandating water and sewer connections might be best for the public’s welfare, but that doesn’t change the fact that annexation is a bitter pill for many, especially those hurting financially. The city should do what it can — whether it’s ferreting out grants or alerting people of property relief programs, such as the homestead exemption — to make a
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