Letters to the editor

February 09, 2004

Wells tapping out

To the editor:

During the summer of 2002, Berkeley County, W.Va., was experiencing one of the longest periods without rain on record.

In August of 2002, during the height of the dry spell, my well ceased to provide water. I immediately deduced that the pump had become inoperable due to the number of years it had been in service. Upon further inspection, I found the pump was in fact OK. I set about pulling the pump and lines out of the well. Further inspection revealed that the pump had been operating at a depth of 65 feet.

I lowered a depth-measuring device into the casing and found the water level had dropped to a depth on nearly 80 feet from the top of the well.

I then contacted a plumber and asked if he had any knowledge of another instance similar to this one. He said that he had and suggested that my problem is due to the fact that many wells are being drilled in the area to supply the large number of new houses being built. Some of these wells are reaching a depth of 300 feet plus. They are therefore, in some cases, drawing from the same source of water that accommodates my needs.

I recall a season when the grass became so brown and dry it made a crunching sound when walked on, but the well presented no problem during this episode of little rain.

The plumber said that there is a law which provides for the protection of one's property if damaged by an irresponsible act of another party.

I present this matter to those who are responsible for issuing the permits for the drilling of new wells. I ask if there is legal recourse for those who might find themselves without water due to over-drilling in the county. It further seems to me that there should be financial assistance to replace the well in this case.

It might be claimed however that when preparing to drill, one does not know exactly where the water will come from, so therefore the driller is not responsible for the outcome of his actions.

It does seem to me that there is a measure of responsibility to be shared by those who issue the permits for these new wells.

To persons who are dependent on wells for supplying water to their homes and farms, I ask you to become aware of the severity of this matter. Write your concerns and suggestion for resolution of this situation to the office responsible for protecting the natural resources of Berkeley County.

Russell C. Cook
Martinsburg, W.Va.

A happy beginning

To the editor:

The Antrim House Restaurant of Hagerstown has been a fixture in Fountainhead Plaza since it was built. On Nov. 11, 2003, the restaurant was sold and purchased by the former daytime hostess, of four and a half years, Elaine and her husband Bill Hutchinson.

Elaine met Bill at the restaurant as he came in every morning, after being laid off from Corning in Martinsburg. Some of the patrons kidded Elaine, telling her Bill would make a great husband for her. They were married June 22, 2002, and now they own the Antietam Family House Restaurant, formerly the Antrim House.

Thelma Brewer
Hagerstown

Spare the petrol

To the editor:

As I sit here in the comfort of my home bored and with a bad case of cabin fever I wonder about the $1.65 per gallon I just spent at the gas station. I realize there are few alternatives to gas powered automobiles. I also realize there are many alternatives to home heating oil.

If these alternatives were used, wouldn't that mean more oil to be refined for gasoline and wouldn't that bring the price of gas down? Better put some more wood in the stove. Are you heating with an alternative fuel or just paying that $1.65 at the pump and sucking it up?

Randy Neal
Big Pool

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