Dear HCN,
The
August 19th issue’s front-page photo of the Denver Water Department
signboard imploring people to take action and conserve water
reminded me that yes, we are having a drought here in Colorado.
Well, there have been other clues as well, such as the scorched
brown hillsides, a summer with almost no measurable rainfall, and
the persistent smoke in the air from Colorado’s many wildfires.
But please remember that I live in the city of
Golden, Colo. whose officials have informed residents that there is
no drought in Golden. Residents are advised to use water wisely but
we may water lawns freely and as frequently as one may like. We are
even in the process of building a new golf course; one whose
seeding requires eight or ten waterings a day this summer. Never
mind our drought-parched neighbors such as Denver. You see, Golden
has a senior water right and a supposedly full storage
reservoir.
As drought takes it toll on Colorado’s
Front Range, folks may think of packing up, leaving town and
heading for wetter environs. Rest assured, they don’t have to go
too far. Golden is Front Range Colorado’s oasis in the
desert.
Bruce Feinberg Golden,
Colorado
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Golden in drought denial.
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