As a Whidbey Island resident, I want to register my support for creation of a clean water utility to address the issues of long term water quality on the island. The current septic inspection fee levied solely on owners of septic systems is not a sufficient program to keep our water aquifers in a healthy condition; there is much more to the science and every Whidbey resident has a stake in the outcomes.

I regret that my business obligations precluded attending the discussion on Nov. 15 and hope that you will accept this email substitute as a relevant communication from a concerned resident. Please keep an open mind on the merits of this discussion and remember that you as individuals, as well as you as our commissioners, are vitally interested in the sustainability of our water.

Peter Morton

Langley