Let's Talk About Water

By Kenneth Edward "Ken Cuneo1" Cuneo

On the Monterey Peninsula water is both scarce and expensive.

At present, Pacific Grove gets its water from the Carmel River. CAL AM our supplier has been excessively over pumping from this source. The State of California in a Cease and Desist Order has told CAL AM to significantly reduce its pumping. CAL AM must develop a new source.

After much debate, the proposed solution will be a Desalinization Plant to be built in Marina. The project seems to be the only viable solution to the problem mentioned above. This new solution will be costly and will be paid by us. Also happening is the demolishing of the San Clemente Dam an earthquake prone structure. We will also pay for this.

It is important that ratepayers and local government be well represented on the governance of this Desalinization Plant. I will support this.

Pacific Grove must use grey water that is available to water public property such as the Cemetery and the Golf Course. Currently we use potable water which will become more costly.

Individuals can help by using grey water and rainwater from the roof for landscape needs. I have a rain barrel connected up to the gutter to capture rainwater.

In summation, water is scarce and must be used with care. Unfortunately, water rates will go up because of the requirement to replace our water source, the Carmel River.

As residents we need to be in tune to the realities before us.