Congratulations to Long Beach residents for cutting their water use since September, when the Board of Water Commissioners declared an imminent water supply shortage and created new rules to restrict water usage. And with proposed rate increases, saving water will save your wallet even more now.
The Water Department announced last week that the city set a new 10-year record low for July. It was the seventh record-setting month for low water use since September. July water demand was 16.1 percent below the 10-year average and 13 percent below July 2007, Water officials said. The 2008 fiscal year, which runs from October through September, has been 7.7 percent below the 10-year average water use.
Ironically, while Long Beach was setting records in July, on July 25, the Water Board unanimously approved increasing water and sewer rates a combined 15.8 percent. The increase will add an additional $5.39 per month to the typical single family household's water bill, and an additional $1.30 per month to the typical single family household's sewer bill. The total monthly combined increase for water and sewer service will be about $6.69, or $80.28 annually.
So with state water supplies short, rain falling little and costs rising, it would behoove everyone to be thrifty with what is truly the most precious liquid resource on the planet.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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