Editorial: SAWS needs open door policy

Everybody knows that water is precious in South Texas.

Water restrictions are pretty much constant these days, and while SAWS has done well at conservation, they need to make smart investments to plan for growth and dry years ahead.

They also need to be open and transparent in the process.

SAWS is a public-owned utility, so when SAWS' leadership goes around meeting behind closed doors with private interests that stand to make millions on water projects across the region, that raises some red flags.

They also invite concern when they seem to change direction on long-term projects as quickly as they have lately.

Whether they go after leased water, desalination plants or both, SAWS should be clear about what they're up to and keep an open door policy.

Otherwise, public trust is bound to dry up.

I'm Phil Lane. Let us know what you think.