The city of Auburn has launched a public relations campaign, “Love Lake Auburn.” The campaign says, “It is our goal is to dispel rumors.”

Those working on the “Save Lake Auburn” effort are not spreading rumors as implied by the PR campaign. Volunteers are collecting signatures to add a referendum question to the ballot.

This PR effort is, during these difficult times of inflation, costing the Auburn Water & Sewerage Districts $10,000.

There have been many intelligent and reasonable arguments made to keep the present regulations as they are. These regulations protect the lake’s watershed and, thus, our water. For a very long time they have been assuring residents of Auburn and Lewiston quality drinking water. There was also a study done by consultants that the city paid many thousands of dollars for. That study did not recommend development in the watershed area. Still, the decision was made to go ahead with the changes.

If these regulations change it could mean serious consequences for our children’s and our grandchildren’s future health as well as our own. It could also cost an enormous amount of money if a filtration system is required to return to safe drinking water.

Development is important. However, it is not necessary to put Lake Auburn’s watershed at risk for development. No amount of money spent on public relations will convince me, and many others, that a controversial, hurried and poor decision is in our best interest.

Dorothy Crowley Noel, Auburn