Posted by: site admin @ 2:03 pm
A recent article in the HB Independent newspaper said the prices for water may be going up. On my recent visit to Shipley Nature Center and an excellent lecture, “What Happened to the Pond?” by Juana Mueller, attendees sat in a shaded grove near the beautiful Redwoods and heard that we are sitting on an aquifer in Huntington Beach. Because of our fortunate position, our water prices and access to water is better than most cities in Southern California. But, our prices will go up in 2009, Mueller said. Why? Water levels are way down. Mueller and the Shipley Nature Center volunteers have watched the Shipley pond rise to record levels, then dwindle and disappear. Mueller explained that it took some research to find out why this was happening. Frequent talks with the Water District pros provided answers and much more. Mueller, a volunteer, and the non-profit org. board have set goals to inform and educate the public on the need for water conservation. As we sat and listened, we could look at a conservation garden which was planted as an example of what residents can do themselves to create drought resident gardens that replace grass. A special, popular event in the fall will help speed you toward getting your garden or lawn changed over before the water prices are due to spike in 2009. Native Plant Sale is one of Shipley’s annual events to help the public adjust to the changing environment in a pro-active manner.
September 1st, 2008 at 8:26 pm Huntington Beach residents will be asked to cut back when water rationing comes in 2009 according to the Metropolitan Water District, which supplies water Southern California cities and municipalities. This agency expects to see a 20-year low in water, according to Utilities Manager Howard Johnson. Heavy surcharges on water the city uses above a certain amount is one thought about how the cities will be charged. Phase One to major drought would be a series of voluntary measures, surcharges on watering lawns, higher bills for those who don’t cut back on usage, and even bans on washing cars with hoses, Johnson said. Two things contributed to this situation: the smelt fish of the Delta were protected in a court decision that cut off water supplies from the Sacramento Delta and the first drought in 17 years (since 1991). Huntington Beach residents have been asked to cut consumption by 10% and the city’s top 200 users were also asked to limit their water use.
September 1st, 2008 at 8:31 pm I see people watering their driveways. I always wondered how you determine who gets water…I live in an upscale beach community where the lawns are huge and the climate is a natural desert. It all boils down to just how much money you have. If they actually create caps, then those with wealth will merely find other sources to purchase their water for particular needs.