This week we learned that Moultrie’s water system got very good grades from the organization that measures such things.

What great news for us during a time when some of the leading national stories have been about water contaminations. The Flint, Mich., issue, where excessive lead was found in drinking water, has been a national shocker.

As little as three decades ago, our South Georgia area touted an “unlimited” water supply. But, we have since learned that our demands on our aquifer have increased with farming changes as well as with industrial and business growth. In recent years,  wells  have been lowered in some areas to account for this increased demand. That addresses basic supplies.

Then we have the quality factor. Wells are often monitored to make sure that farm chemicals are not contaminating them. So far we have had no major issues reported in that regard.

Not too many years ago we had a pollution issue and fish kills on our headwaters of the Ochlocknee River right here in town as well as farther down stream. That issue was eventually addressed with court actions.

Part of our community is in the Flint River Basin and another sector is in the Suwannee Basin. Flint River itself and its many tributaries have been the focus of what has become known as the “water wars” involving three state states. This issue is mostly about quantity. But when quantity decreases, quality often adds to the concerns.

In all of this, we are being made aware that our environment is fragile and at the center of our natural resources is water.

And so we applaud those who keep an eye on our city’s water supplies and obviously have kept them safe from any harmful elements. Of course we are all stewards of this resource, and we should never take it for granted. Attention to quantity and quality must always be at the forefront. And when and where we can help as individuals, then we must do so.