Yes, Lake Auburn is more than just water.

As a Lake Auburn watershed property owner and a citizen taxpayer, I have to ask the Lake Commission and the water districts why they support a watershed management program that they are not completely paying for (July 25)?

The new 2010 watershed study details all the nice things we can do for our lake. We all want to keep this “great pond” excellent. But the annual costs in the study and current practices misrepresent the truth of the total cost to deliver water quality to the community. In fact, it may be a violation of how the Maine Public Utilities Commission and other regulatory authorities calculate rates for consumers.

So what’s the problem?

Today, water filtration can be brought to Lewiston-Auburn for about $7 million, according to Aqua America (Maine). The existing UV facility would support the upgrade and this community could actually get filtered water and meet the EPA Clean Water Act.

It was never considered when water treatment was more than $50 million in 2005.

Those who think big development (with filtration) will encroach on our pristine lake should get an education from the planning department at Auburn Hall, or on the city’s website.

Dan Bilodeau, Auburn