now here's a good idea

It's about time someone linked approval of water withdrawals to public values.

Manistee County commissioners recently added a resolution to their draft master plan aimed at protecting the county's surface and ground water resources by prohibiting withdrawals that "have no direct benefits to residents ... and which do not increase public safety, health or welfare."

"We want to keep away from bottling companies coming in or major withdrawals. I personally don't believe our Senate or Legislature has done a very good job ... protecting our waters," said Glenn Lottie, county commissioner.