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Editorial: Water-saving bills worth supporting

Posted by: Maven on May 9, 2009 at 6:41 am

From the Merced Sun-Star, this editorial:

Two bills are working their way through the Legislature — one sponsored by the California Building Industry Association (Assembly Bill 300 by Assemblywoman Anna Caballero) and another sponsored by the East Bay Municipal Utility District and the California Planning and Conservation League (AB 1408 by Assemblyman Paul Kerkorian).

Both have elements that would encourage innovative approaches to reduce water consumption in new housing developments. They call for builders to use voluntary water-saving measures (irrigation control, efficient appliances, leak detection kits, automated metering, rainwater harvesting, water recycling) or pay into a conservation fund. In return, developers would get credit for these savings by proving that their projects have a reliable supply.

AB 1408 is stronger in ensuring that the measures continue when the property is sold. Water suppliers must be able to count on water savings long-term. Modeled on a 700-home development in Contra Costa County, the bill also aims to have total water used after new development be equal to or less than total water used before the project.

California needs a comprehensive water solution. Meanwhile state leaders must promote innovative ways to offset new water demand, and the concepts in these bills are a good start.

Read the full text of this editorial from the Merced Sun-Star by clicking here.

May 9, 2009 · Filed Under Conservation, Legislation - State & Federal

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