Rob Hopkins believes in being proactive. The Big Bear City Community Services District general manager asked his board of directors to approve the implementation of Stage 1 water restrictions because of the states drought emergency status.

Even though we are above our threshold right now, I see potential problems if things dont improve, Hopkins said. It takes time to get the word out to the public, time to ramp things up. In March and April people are going to start coming up here and working on their houses, using more water.

The board voted to approve implementing Stage 1 restrictions, which become effective immediately.

CSDs Stage 1 water restrictions include a moratorium on landscape watering between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those working on construction projects are asked to stop using potable water for dust control. Its mostly voluntary, Hopkins said. Stage 1 is kind of an awareness, a way to educate the public.

Hopkins told the board during the Feb. 3 meeting that the agency can implement the ordinance without a public hearing under certain circumstances.

California Governor Jerry Browns recent declaration of a statewide drought emergency is an emergency situation, Hopkins said. Hopkins and CSD water superintendent Jerry Griffith compared current water table data with information calculated during the last drought situation. The pattern is the same as the last drought, Hopkins said. So we want to get ahead of the curve, begin the process of public notification instead of waiting.

Board members discussed the ordinance in detail and asked Hopkins if the rate study will include drought situations. Hopkins said drought tiers are being looked at. Board member John Green said he doesnt want rates on the lowest tier to be affected. Id hate to see people on fixed incomes be hurt by this, Green said.

Board member Jeff Newsome, who was out of town but took part in the meeting via teleconference, advocates a five-tier rate structure that rewards people whose water use is lower than the bottom tier, he said.

Board member Larry Walsh wants to review the ordinance because of language he considers contradictory and unclear in a couple of areas. He also doesnt see how the CSD can enforce water restrictions. Are we going to turn all our water workers into water cops? Walsh asked. How are we going to get people to comply?

Board president Karyn Oxandaboure said that neighbors are usually the best water police during drought situations. Green said he believes the majority of CSD customers will follow the program.

Read more:
Community Services District board approves Stage 1 water restrictions

Related Posts
February 5, 2014 at 4:30 pm by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Power Washing Services