From Alexis Lantz (UCLA Urban Planning MA candidate '10):
Just in case you didn't get the message from DWP this week: Mandatory Water Conservation is HERE!
It is often hard to imagine that we are facing a drought when the water flows so freely from the tap - but there may come a time when the water will become rationed if we do not change our behavior now. Los Angeles has done a decent job of keeping water usage the same even as the population has grown over the last 20 years - but water is wasted at an alarming rate and the areas outside Los Angeles that are even less sustainable, grew tremendously before the economic decline.
Education is the most important way for all of us to act together to preserve our quality of life. It is up to each of us to change our behavior, educate our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and hold each other accountable. As I do not have TV, I don't know what information is being supplied to the general public via PSAs but word of mouth and learning from friends can make more of an impact then hearing an ad on TV or the radio. If you receive a bill from the DWP you will learn about the way billing is going to be changing, but many people have water rolled into their rent. They may not realize a.) how much water they use b.) how much it costs and c.) that their rent may go up as a result.
Mandatory Water Conservation means:
- You can only water your lawn on Mondays and Thursdays before 9am or after 4pm.
- Restaurants cannot serve you water unless you request it
- Homes and businesses water allotments are reduced by 15%. Customers can see what their first tier water allotment will be starting June 1 by logging into their account or by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP - if you use more than your allotment you will be charged at a greater rate. (this is where your rent could end up being affected if water is rolled in - so talk with your neighbors about water conservation measures if you live in an apartment unit)
- don't run the tap while brushing
- if it's yellow let it mellow
- put a bucket in the shower to catch the water when you're waiting for the temperature to get perfect and use that water for your plants
- take shorter showers
- only do laundry when you have a full load (same for the dishwasher)
- fix leaky faucets
- use a broom to sweep up outdoor spaces instead of hosing them down
DWP is trying to crack down on water wasters - if you see a businesses/neighbors/your landlord watering their sidewalks or watering the lawns at an off peak time try and talk to them - if it doesn't help call or email the DWP Drought Busters - 1.800.Dial.DWP or waterconservationteam@ladwp.com- offenders are given a warning and will be fined for all repeat offenses (and fines have been increased I believe they have gone from $100 to $300)
I encourage everyone to take a couple of minutes and visit the Metropolitan Water District website - they supply water for all of Southern California - our reservoirs are nearing empty - Metropolitan has tapped its reserves to maintain deliveries to its 26 member agencies. But the reserves are not unlimited. With water uncertainties facing Southern California, the challenge ahead is to lower demand and stretch our reserve supplies as much as possible. http://www.mwdh2o.com/mwdh2o/pages/yourwater/WaterAlert/
This is an important issue for all of us - especially those of us that choose to move here, because we have created an undue burden on the system. The Los Angeles Aquifer was only every able to support a community of 400,000 now there are 4 million of us - Do you part to conserve water and lighten your footprint.
Spread the word!
Sincerely,
Alexis
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MA Candidate '10
Urban Planning
UCLA :: School of Public Affairs
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