Water Board Fails in its Mission to Provide Low Cost Water

By Kit Kesinger

Ramona has the highest priced water in San Diego County. Ramona's Water Board needs to do better.

Today Ramona has the highest priced water in San Diego County, and among the highest in California. Last June the Ramona Water District Board raised water rates by 12%, so that many customers' total water bills increased despite reducing their water use beyond the RMWD recommended level. I believe the current Water Board has failed in its mission to provide low cost water. 99% of the District's water comes from the highest priced source available + imported from distant rivers, transported hundreds of miles, and finally pumped 1,000 vertical feet up into Ramona. Most of Ramona is provided with only treated water, so that water for landscaping, gardens, and many commercial uses costs 25% more than it needs to.

These added costs drain millions of dollars per year out of Ramona's economy; taking extra money from households, strangling businesses (especially agriculture, nurseries, landscaping and yard care) - cutting into profits and costing jobs. Ramona can't afford higher prices for water.

There are alternatives to using the highest priced water available. The Water Board needs to do better for the people of Ramona.

Kit Kesinger, Candidate for the Ramona Water District 16951 Handlebar Road, Ramona, CA phone: 760-484-0818 e-mail: Kit4RMWD@gmail.com