by Madison White Franks
HEATHSVILLE—The Northumberland planning commission raised concern about water usage in the region during its meeting held May 18.
Dr. Lynton Land, a professor of geosciences, indicated the Northern Neck as a whole uses 4.4 million gallons of water a day whereas southern Maryland uses 40 million gallons a day and the county of King William, where WestRock Paper Mill is located, uses 18 million gallons a day.
“Usage in Maryland is affecting the wells on our side…it’s gonna be a long time until the mill effects us,” said Land.
County planner Stuart McKenzie distributed a graph showing projected deficits of water supply to come by year 2050. Northumberland and Lancaster counties would not be at risk for a deficit according the the graph.
