The city of Auburn is eager for “development,” even in areas of watershed zoning (established to protect Lake Auburn, the drinking water for Auburn and Lewiston).

A Jan. 13 article (“Auburn considers updated septic standards for Lake Auburn watershed“) stressed that properties would have super-improved septic systems. That sounds great. I wonder what happens if the properties fertilize lawns or gardens, and runoff goes into Lake Auburn. I wonder who pays if “development” harms Lake Auburn.

People should look at the city website; most of the land around Lake Auburn is owned by either the Auburn Water District or the Auburn Watershed Protection Commission. I wonder if these two entities agree with “development.”

For years the Auburn Water District stressed the protection of Lake Auburn. Suddenly “development” is more important. Whatever happened to protecting “our drinking water”?

Mary Ann Norcross, Auburn