Letter: Understand water impact before making decision

Regarding the Nov. 5 article 'Homeowners look to Solon for safe water”:

My first reaction was Gallery Acres West residents chose the responsibilities of living in rural Johnson County. I grew up in unincorporated Haverhill, in Marshall County, Iowa. My parent's well didn't meet standards for drinking water. My daily job was to go to the neighbor's, pump 'good” water into a pail and lug it home for cooking and drinking.

In 1968, Haverhill was incorporated. The council established a safe water system from the Jasper County Water Association. Also by 1968, my husband, Ron, and I had moved to rural Solon into Richard Adams' log cabin. We always had our water tested - especially when I was pregnant and after the birth of our son in 1971.

In 1972, we needed to move and decided to go into 'town” - especially because of the water services. We have chosen to make Solon our home for 45 years!

I truly empathize with rural water concerns. However, a resolution to a complex problem involving various governmental regulators takes time. Extensive research is needed to understand the impact before decisions are made.

As a taxpayer, I believe we need to put Solon first and plan for the residents who made a choice to live in the City of Solon. When this issue comes up for review, please vote no water service to Gallery Acres West.

Pat Ikan

Solon