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98 <br /> II. ISSSJES/IMPLICATIONS <br /> The issue of whether or not to extend water and sewer <br /> lines into the Rural Buffer has many implications. It has <br /> direct effects on development potential and the cost of water <br /> and sewage system provision. It could have a major impact on <br /> annexations and public health issues. To a large degree, it <br /> also removes the issue of soils unsuitable for septic tanks <br /> from the debate over what housing densities are desirable or <br /> proper in the Rural Buffer. <br /> The lack of soils suitable for septic tanks is the major <br /> impediment to development in the Rural Buffer. Providing <br /> sewer lines removes this obstacle to development. It also <br /> removes the need for septic system suitable soils as a <br /> variable in determining lot size. The most immediate impact. <br /> would be in subdivisions, such as Falls of New Hope, where <br /> undeveloped lots exist primarily because the soils are <br /> unsuitable for conventional septic systems. <br /> Extension of water and sewer lines makes annexation <br /> easier. Commitment and ability to provide services is one <br /> requirement for annexation. Areas considered for town/city <br /> initiated annexation must additionally meet certain criteria <br /> concerning existing land use and residential density. <br /> Extension of lines. if leading to higher densities, would <br /> make those areas of higher density more "ripe" for <br /> annexation. <br /> Health and safety issues can be raised if septic system <br /> failures or well contamination occurs in amounts that pose a <br /> serious health risk. While the potential is there, no major <br /> problems exist at this time. <br /> III. REFERENCES. <br /> 1. OWASA. personal communication. November 1985 and January <br /> 1987. <br />