Mandatory rationing plan and public meeting

Golden State Water Company is holding a public meeting June 17 to explain their staged mandatory rationing plan.

The 6:30 p.m. meeting will be inside the Sequoia Room of the Double Tree Hotel, 555 W. Foothill Blvd.

Golden State on May 22 filed a plan with California Public Utilities Commission that authorizes the water company to implement water rationing in various stages according to supply.

The plan will be announced at the meeting.

If the plan is activated in Claremont, the water company would implement a 10-percent reduction based on a customer's average three-year usage from 2004 to 2006. This would be called Stage 1.

There is no penalty for a Stage 1 violation, officials said.

Penalties would be imposed if further stages, which would include increased conservation, are implemented.

Non-essential or unauthorized water usage could lead to fines from $50 to $300 depending on the stage.

The non-essential or unauthorized water usage applies to special conditions, such as when the water company notifies a customer to repair a broken part or system.

The customer would have to make repairs within five business days after receiving a notice. Water company officials said they would work with customers for a possible extension.

The water company superintendent and employees would decide on a case-by-case basis for each customer, officials said.