Water

By Gary Allen Nemeth

A reliable long term water source is a major concern for everyone who lives within the city limits. The current water supply comes from 2 sources + the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin and the Salinas River underflow. From the Groundwater Basin approximately 30% of the available water is used by the city and other surrounding municipalities, the remaining 70% is used for agriculture. But the percentage of usage is not entirely the problem + droughts and other climate conditions have created a local ground depression and in some area water levels have dropped below a 100 feet. Our other source, the Salinas River underflow is regulated by the state. We get 4,600 acre feet per year and for the moment that water is not guaranteed.

The city has studied the issue of water consumption for several years and has looked at a number of alternatives but none were fully in the best interest of the community + meaning the source was unreliable for a long solution and/or the cost was unreasonable.

Which is why I believe the Lake Nacimiento agreement makes the most sense both short term and long. Quit frankly, its the only practical choice. It's proven to be reliable, cleaner than the present sources and the city owns it in perpetuity. Is it going to cost more? Yes it is.

At council meetings we hear arguments from many points of view over the water issue and consider each of them before reaching any conclusion. At the moment the city has not set any water restriction on consumer consumption. In lieu of that the city has launched a public awareness program for water conservation. As a community we need to take a responsible position on usage. Did you that only 30% of the total water used daily is reclaimed? .... that means 70% of the water goes unclaimed. That unclaimed water is used for watering the lawn, washing the car, hosing down the drive, summer pool parties.

Water conservation can play a major role in the solution to the problem. The rising cost of fuel and other energies this past year has proven the public can and will respond.... We've seen a rise in the use of public transportation, more fuel efficient automobiles sales are up ......in some models as much as 68%. Manufacturers of home appliances are offering more energy efficient products that reduce consumption, such as the tank less water heater, Compact Florescent Light Bulbs and much more.

The water is a local issue and it's up to us as a community to find a solution. By working together we can set realistic goals that reduce our daily usage with little or no compromise, feel confident that long term supplies are secure and that those on fixed income and those of lower income can afford the cost of water.