To the editor:

There is a land-use change proposal for a large tract of forest at the corner of Torvanger Road and Sunrise. The proposal is to turn the forest into 10 lots for houses.

According to a U.S. Geological Survey in 2011 that studied Bainbridge’s groundwater supply, “the island’s main sources of drinking water have and will continue to decline over the next two decades.”

“Ensuring that the island has an adequate water supply was the top concern among the issues that worry residents, according to a 2008 opinion survey. Some residents fear that the limited supply fail to meet the demand of a growing population, and that policies should be enacted to better-manage development and water use.”

There is constant development in Bainbridge. If the city council does not wisely regulate development in keeping with our limited water supply, all the citizens on the island will pay the price. If the city council does not show leadership in this matter, whom do we turn to?

The full USGS groundwater report is available for download at www.pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2011/5021/.

IRENE YESLEY

Bainbridge Island