In the face of procedural problems involving gas companies, proponents of the La Plata Archuleta Water District withdrew their plan in November 2005. Changes in the county Geographic Information Services format and mapping software, revised parcel numbers and changes in parcel ownership also contributed to the decision. "The validity of the proposal was a concern for everyone," said Nancy Lauro, the county planning director. Now, county commissioners are scheduled on Sept. 18 to decide whether the task force is prepared to bring drinking water to a region in which underground water quality is deteriorating and water quantity is diminishing. Excluding federal, state and tribal land, the service area would enclose about 400 square miles.

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