Letters

During my summer visit in Southampton, I try to be mindful of the progress in the decades-long effort to improve the health of Lake Agawam.

This season, I was struck by the shrillness of the discussion in social media posts and newspaper articles. The lake is in better shape than reported, by far. My understanding is that the lake is not the worst in the state, the county or even the East End. Water quality also is better than it was last year.

The release of lake water to the ocean, problematic though it is, reflects reasoned decision-making and coordination with applicable authorities in response to a hazard.

This important project in our community is not adrift. After a long slog, it seems the many good initiatives are showing results. Interested, well-meaning, resourceful people are leading positive incremental improvements in the health of Lake Agawam, and they have set the table for a big win. Designs are in place for a water filtration plant, and the message is going out regarding a needed vote on a property exchange in the upcoming election.

A sewer system most likely will need to be part of the long-term plan for the village, but in the meantime the important incremental improvements that are before us now will result in an outcome everyone hopes for.

How about we just get on with making that happen — vote if you are eligible, and do what you can to limit fertilizer usage. Then we can enjoy the lake, and a heavy summer rain won’t be a worry.

John Campbell

Southampton