I live on Palomino Boulevard and am extremely concerned about the water tank exposed by the Epcor project. This hulking, white mass looms over our once beautiful Emerald Wash like an iridescent space craft.

This canyon filled with pristine desert plants and lichen-covered rock formations has been, until recently, an idyllic setting for the panoramic mountain views and botanical garden.

My husband and I live in the house built for Arthur Hewitt, who was one of the founders and owners of The Times newspaper. As an enticement to move to Fountain Hills, the president of McCulloch Properties offered him any lot he desired. I sincerely doubt he would choose this location as it is today nor, sadly, would my husband and I have purchased said property years later.

Planting mature camouflage and painting the tank a desert-blending color are imperative deterrents to this blight on the landscape. It is reasonable to expect Epcor to be a friend to its neighboring customers and for town officials to be as good stewards to Emerald Wash as they are to other areas of Fountain Hills. Their influence is necessary.

This situation should not be passed off with an ineffective shrug and an attitude of “we cannot do much about it.” The town may not own Epcor, but they can have an impact.

A casual drive by is not as compelling as actually seeing from the perspective of the homeowner. I invite anyone from the town government or Epcor public relations to call and set up a time to visit my house and patio. Take five minutes out of your day and view the jarring distraction that has been unveiled. Personal assessment will validate the concerns of many for the personal enjoyment of their homes and for the potential resale value of their property.