Ordinance protects local water supplies

To the editor:

Members of the Nottingham Water Alliance have been following articles on USA Springs since NHBR began covering this story. We are frustrated that NHBR has never mentioned that our organization petitioned the town of Nottingham to pass the Nottingham Water Rights and Local Self-Government Ordinance, which was adopted at the 2008 town meeting.

This ordinance makes it illegal to mine water in Nottingham for resale outside the town. Copies of this ordinance have been sent to USA Springs and potential investors.

We are not alone in protecting our community. Over 150 municipalities across the United States have adopted similar rights based ordinances– seven are in New Hampshire. Several other communities in New England are currently considering the passage of similar laws.

The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) has assisted in drafting these ordinances and will stand by the communities if they are challenged. CELDF a nonprofit public interest environmental law firm whose main office is located in Pennsylvania.

Gail & Chris Mills
Co-Founders
Nottingham Water Alliance