[Water_news] 2. DWR'S CALIFORNIA WATER NEWS: SUPPLY - 7/10/08

Department of Water Resources

California Water News

A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment 

 

July 10, 2008

 

2. Supply –

 

 

Editorial

Rewards of conservation

Long Beach Press Telegram- 7/9/08

Water rate increases not only are defensible, they are a sign of success.

 

Long Beach Water Department customers have been saving water diligently, and their reward will be an increase in their water bills. Does this seem right?

 

It is exactly right. An ironic effect of cutting down on water usage is that it cuts down on water revenues, which is part of the reason for the planned rate increase.

 

But it is only one of several reasons, including higher costs for electricity that powers water pumps and for other materials, supplies and labor involved in delivering water from both distant sources and underground storage. The cost of imported water, which supplies half of Long Beach's needs, has risen 14 percent.

 

Cutting back is essential because, as Long Beach residents seem to understand better than most, California's drought conditions are worsening relentlessly. The Sierra snowpack this season was less than expected at a time when more is badly needed, and water reserves are dwindling.

 

The proposed increase of 15.8 percent would add about $7 a month to an average residential water and sewage bill of about $42 a month. Obviously, however, some of that is offset by lower usage, which is more than 10 percent lower than a 10-year average.

 

The Water Department has imposed restrictions against hosing off sidewalks, driveways and patios; watering plants and lawns between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and allowing faulty irrigation systems to waste water. When residents notify the department, it will send letters to water wasters.

 

If that seems like snitching, well it is, except it almost always results in compliance without a fuss. There have been no citations issued, and, according to the department, no confrontations.

 

Consequently, conservation in Long Beach has been at a higher level than just about any community in the state (twice better than L.A. residents). That's what it's going to take to deal with water shortages that are growing worse.

 

It's also going to take leadership like that supplied at Long Beach's Water Department, which has taken the initiative not only in conservation but in water recycling and a desalination program that could help Long Beach and other communities cope over the long term with shortages.

 

Water commissioners will meet today at 9:15 a.m. to discuss the new rates. Unlike some public agencies, their reward for sound oversight means they can support the increases with a clear conscience.#

http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_9832933