Most people in Clearlake have heard about the issues at Highlands Water, but I’m not sure that the community understands the full extent of the problems.

There are water pressure issues, outdated infrastructure, frequent boil water orders, impacts on development and yet shareholders are unable to get information to understand what is being done to correct the issues.

One of the biggest concerns is our outdated fire hydrant system: most hydrants are unable to deliver enough water to fight major fires, and 16 out of 193 don’t function at all. I’m not only worried about being unprepared for wildfires — the entire infrastructure system is in bad shape and is now at a breaking point.

The current system of pipelines, fire systems, water tanks and its treatment plant have deteriorated and are substandard at best. My own family’s grocery store has experienced low pressure problems, and this is unacceptable for any business owner or resident within Highlands' service area to face.

Our city has had to turn away businesses like Chipotle because Highlands isn’t prepared for the future. The new Tribal Health facility could not be served by Highlands so another water agency across the street had to provide the fire flow or Tribal Health would have moved elsewhere.

These are just a few examples, and I’m concerned that without change there will be more in the future.

I am part of a group of shareholders that want to address the issues at Highlands Water and improve it for the future of Clearlake residents. We are independent shareholders who, while we feel strongly that close collaboration and partnership with the city is needed, are not accountable to the city in any way.

Our community can no longer afford the status quo. We need leadership that will listen to shareholders, provide transparency, safety and prepare our community for the future. I believe that our group of shareholders is ready to provide that leadership.

I encourage you to learn more about the problems with the Highlands Water system at Reformhighlandswater.com and would appreciate your support for change in the election for board members.

Dennis Darling is a longtime owner of a business in Clearlake. He lives in Lakeport, California.