Water Down the Drain

By Kerry D. Erickson

Isn't there a better way to recycle?

Regarding the Aug. 22 letter by Vasken Yardemian, Crescenta Valley Water District President, "Flushing Maintains Quality," in which he explains why the water district dumps untold gallons of precious water into our drainage system each year:

I commend the water district for keeping our water system in top-notch shape and ensuring our water meets the highest standards. However, using the method the water district does -- flushing the pipes with potable water and letting the water go down the drain -- appears to go against the conservation all of us residents are being asked to follow.

Can't the water district find another way to clean their pipes or recycle the water expended from the flushing in some manner other than letting it run down the drain? I'm sure the neighbors around these fire hydrants would appreciate receiving a few extra gallons of water for their plants. Or better yet, the water district could use it to water their landscape and save us the cost of their water bill.

I believe all of us need to rethink the old ways of using water, not only the residents, but the water district as well.

KERRY ERICKSON

La Crescenta

EDITOR'S NOTE: Erickson is a candidate for the Crescenta Valley Water District Board of Directors.