Some critics say California water districts have not played a nearly forceful enough a role in promoting or requiring conservation because they are in the business of selling water. From a historical perspective, is there any truth to this view?
In San Diego County, absolutely not. The Water Authority's mission is supply reliability, and conservation has been, is, and always will be a crucial piece of our strategy. After our region's last major drought (1987-1992), the Water Authority and our member agencies worked to pass state legislation requiring water-saving devices such as low-flow toilets, urinals, shower heads and others be installed in new residential and commercial projects. California was among the first states to approve these requirements. We have provided millions of dollars in financial incentives for home and business owners to retrofit to more efficient plumbing, appliances, equipment or landscapes. In 2007, these programs conserved enough water to meet the annual needs of more than 105,000 families. Through these programs and new ones, we expect to reach our goal of more than doubling current levels of conservation by 2020.
Has the time come for an aggressive push to limit the vast amounts of water used for landscaping? If so, should that push start with the county Water Authority or with elected officials in Sacramento?
The Water Authority and its member agencies have developed a variety of conservation programs aimed directly at reducing water use outdoors. We're investing millions of dollars in outdoor conservation. Eliminating wasteful practices, such as over-watering yards and hosing down paved areas, is easy and needs to happen now. We are working with our member agencies to update local ordinances that would prohibit such wasteful practices. In the long term, we have to shift toward planting beautiful, low-water-plants and landscapes that are much more suitable for our semi-arid climate. The push needs to come from Sacramento and from local agencies, and that is happening. In 2006, the Legislature passed AB 1881, which requires the California Department of Water Resources to update the statewide model landscape ordinance by Jan. 1, 2009. The bill also requires local agencies to adopt ordinances by 2010 that require new residential and commercial developments to install water-wise landscapes. We are working with our member agencies to adopt ordinances before that date.
Another approach that has advocates talking big is a mass switch to landscaping with native or drought-resistant plants instead of the usual grass. Should this be mandatory on big new projects? Should tax incentives be used to encourage such landscapes?
By 2010, low-water-use landscaping will become mandatory for new projects in California. The Water Authority has financial incentives to help cover some costs for switching to low-water-use landscapes. But we also need to increase market demand. We are working closely with consumers and the landscape industry to make these choices easy, convenient and affordable. People need to know how to use, take care of, and where to buy appropriate plants. We also showcase these landscapes at places such as the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College.
Does the Water Authority support the Poseidon Resources desalination plant proposal? In general, how promising is desalination for the county?
Yes, and actively. Once operational, the Poseidon plant will be a rel iable new local water supply for several of our member agencies, and the Water Authority is counting on water from the plant as part of our region's future supply plans. The Water Authority is also working on a desalination feasibility study at Camp Pendleton. We envision seawater desalination meeting 10 percent or more of our region's water demand by 2020.
Next week: San Diego City Councilman Ben Hueso The U-T puts a public figure on the Hot Seat. Please send us your questions and who you would like to see on the Hot Seat to dialog@uniontrib.com.
