Whether or not Snowbowl should be allowed to use reclaimed water for snowmaking I leave up to you. Since the Water Commission and the City Council have already decided to sell reclaimed water to Snowbowl, all that remains in the way of snowmaking (potential legal challenges aside) is a decision from the Forest Service (currently they are evaluating the letters and E-mail they have received in response to their 45 day comment period), and from Coconino County (who would have to provide special use permits to allow for the reclaimed water pipeline to be constructed). One significant factor that I have not explored is the potential environmental impact of reclaimed water on the Peaks, an issue that future Environmental Impact Studies will attend to. I suspect that since reclaimed water is more tainted by semantic association than by pathogens, the impact studies will focus on the effects of digging pipeline and with the influence of reclaimed water on the soil. If there were a cultural impact study of snowmaking, then I suspect the potential dangers and damage would, in fact, outweigh the benefits.

I have spent more time discussing the anti-snowmaking side, since it is clear that the Daily Sun is not giving its readers an unbiased, holistic view of this perspective. The goal of this work is to provide an understanding of snowmaking on the Peaks, in the context of water issues in general in Flagstaff, so that you can take a creative and informed look into our future. If you like what you see, then great. If you do not like what the future holds, then let me remind you that it is possible to change it. In regards to water issues in Flagstaff, the Water Commission meets every month in the City Council Chambers and would desperately love to see you attend; there is even an opportunity at these functions to speak out, on the record, and to discuss any water-related issues you want. Time and time again I have heard Water Commission members complain about low turnouts and lack of community interest in what they do. As one member explained, "No one takes an interest in what we do until decisions are made and actions are taken." To keep you informed on recent decisions that the Water Commission has made, and water issues in general, I have included a separate section in this site with documentation from recent meetings.

If the future of Flagstaff in general is of interest to you, then I would encourage you to explore or even join the Friends of Flagstaff’s Future as one way to make a difference.

In the next section I will provide a series of future’s postulates which will lead us into my own take on Flagstaff’s worst case, most likely, and best case futures. I encourage you to do the same, to get involved, and to post comments to what you have read here. Thank you for your time.

Go To Alternative Futures