Preserving Our Precious Water and Lowering Water Rates

By Adam Hill

Water is a critical issue here in SLO County, as it is in much of the state. Prop 98 will make our current water issues even worse.

Of course weather is, and always has been, a primary determinant. However, if we do not vigorously confront this issue now, our diminishing water supply problem will worsen and leave us with very few and very costly options.

Current residents shouldn't have to subsidize the pattern of growth that is currently occuring -- large-lot, low-density, widely dispersed development. This is the only growth we're seeing, and it is simply not sustainable because it is more water intensive and water wasteful.

What the County should do:

Follow US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and actually implement smart growth policies. Study after study shows that directing growth toward existing communities, and using compact urban design, can significantly reduce the quantity of water used and costs of water provided.

Adopt wide-spread conservation policies, encourage and incentivize water-saving landscaping, plumbing and appliances, and upgrade existing water infrastructure.

Create regional cooperation agreements so that water planning is coordinated with land-use planning. If we do not work and plan together intelligently, our water woes are certain to worsen.

The county should also seriously consider the possibility of constructing a groundwater replenishment plant to recycle all water used. As the saying goes, "water is too valuable to be used just once."

Oppose Prop 98

Prop 98 would prohibit the use of eminent domain to acquire land and water to develop public water projects.

The Association of California Water Agencies warns Prop 98 could "derail efforts to build the infrastructure and other water projects we need to ensure an adequate supply of safe, clean drinking water."

The Western Growers Association warns Prop. 98 could "block future development of surface water storage and conveyance."

That's because Prop. 98's proposed amendment to Section 19(a) of the constitution prohibits the taking of private property for "private use." Proposed section 19(b)(3)(ii) defines "private use" as including: transfer of ownership, occupancy or use of private property or associated property rights to a public agency for the consumption of natural resources or for the same or a substantially similar use as that made by the private owner.

Since virtually all elements of a public water project involve the "consumption of natural resources", Prop 98 would prohibit property acquisitions for public water projects.