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- XAll <br /> y <br /> .77 <br /> Objective 2 : Explore the inter-relationships between surface and ground water, and <br /> ensure that recommendations are consistent with both <br /> Ground water and surface water quantity and quality are inextricably inter-related . <br /> Ground water ' represents the source of up to 50 % of stream flow . In order to ensure that <br /> the use of available ground water does not exceed availability (i . e . , demand does not <br /> exceed supply) , future planning for water resources must recognize the inter-relationship <br /> and address ground water and surface water protection as two parts of the same whole . In <br /> addition to their findings , the Report of the Water Resources Committee also contained <br /> recommendations that have since been reviewed by both the Board of Health and the <br /> Commission for the Environment ( see attached Comments on the Report of the Water <br /> Resources Committee . <br /> Plan for 2002 to Address the Goal <br /> It is the above findings and the referenced recommendations of the Water Resources <br /> Committee that will guide the activity of the Commission for the Environment with the <br /> overriding objective of safeguarding a sustainable healthy water supply for the County <br /> and appropriate methods of wastewater collection and disposal to ensure public health <br /> and environmental protection . If the expected growth and development occurs without <br /> adequate attention to water-related issues , adequate water supplies and wastewater <br /> disposal for the new communities may not be adequate or may be too costly. While water <br /> is a renewable resource , yields are limited . Water shortages are not uncommon when dry <br /> years occur . It is important that economies and efficiencies of scale and modern <br /> management such as regionalization of water and sewerage services be introduced to <br /> replace the ad hoc provision of services common today. Reclamation of wastewater for <br /> non-potable uses may become an essential measure for conservation of the limited high <br /> quality sources now available . Beginning to plan for regionalization and water <br /> reclamation will help to ensure that appropriate investments can be made at lowest cost <br /> when these practices are needed . <br /> With the cooperation of the Triangle J COG and other regional agencies , the recently <br /> created Water Resources Committee of the Commission for the Environment will help to <br /> bring data together to begin planning for the future water needs of the County. The <br /> specific goal of the Water Resources Committee is to help ensure an adequate supply of <br /> water of high quality and sanitary disposal of wastewaters for urban and rural residents of <br /> Orange County along with maintaining the quality of surface waters of the County. <br /> 27 <br />