By Lisa Lucas Gardner, J.D. On May 11 at 5:59 PM
In case many of you do not know, the Town of Christiansburg gives you a less expensive rate for filling up a swimming pool than it does to water a garden, grass, flowers, or trees. Is swimming more important than eating fresh, homegrown vegetables?
Several years I have asked for a water meter to be put on one outside spigot to water gardens, grass, flowers and new trees. I have been told that the town does not allow this but they do allow residents to fill up their swimming pools with a separate meter.
One might think what difference does it matter? Well, I do not think that I should be charged a water rate that includes a sewer useage fee when I am not using the sewer. The water that I use to water my gardens provide food for my family which I think is much more important than swimming pool water.
The town wants us to take care of our lawns so that we all have nice green grass around our homes but they want to charge us a higher rate for watering in dry conditions. The cost of planting new trees, shrubs, and flowers each year deserves to be protected by being able to use water at the lower rate.
I have learned that the Town of Blacksburg had provided this service to its residents for many years. I know the answer..."We arent Blacksburg" all to well. But I want to know "Why arent we?" Why do Blacksburg residents always get things that we Christiansburg residents cant get or have?
I have asked Councilman Mike Barber to research this matter for me and he has responded with a negative answer for me. One issue was that there doesnt seem to be a need or desire for this service. I would like anyone who would like to pay less for agricultural water useage to please post a response indicating their approval. Please take the time to call Councilman Barber and Town Manager Lance Turpenny and request this service be available for town residents.