Last year, several wells in rural Richland County began showing concerning signs of distress. Some became muddy and black, while others ran completely dry, only pumping air. After a closer investigation, it became evident that fracking activities were impacting our well water supply. Thanks to the vigilance of concerned neighbors, the fracking operation was eventually halted. However, the issue is far from resolved. Now, there is a proposal to issue a permit allowing a third party to extract our well water—without offering any compensation in return. To make matters worse, no consideration has been given to the potential impact on our community, particularly as the summer season approaches, when water scarcity could become a serious concern for all of us.

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While we support responsible and sustainable energy practices, including fracking in appropriate areas, we are concerned about the potential risks to our delicate aquifer. This aquifer is not easily replenished, and protecting it is essential for the future well-being of our community. It’s time for policies that ensure our vital water resources aren’t being drained by a few, leaving the rest of us without the resources we need.

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Importing expensive water from outside sources is not a sustainable solution, and we must question why the DNRC is allowing some to take our water while expecting us to bear the financial burden of connecting to the new Dry Red Water line. Why should we pay for someone else’s business when our community’s water resources are at risk?

The current approach is simply not acceptable. It’s time to come together and ensure that our water is protected for future generations.