Should there be water restrictions for those who can afford to pay for high water usage?

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:07:54 -0400

With the ongoing drought issues in California, many people believe that if they can afford to pay high property taxes and high water bills for usage, then they shouldn't have water restrictions levied against them for their property. How do you feel about this way of thinking?

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 16 at 2015 5:15 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:15:40 -0400

I reside in California and I believe we should just follow the directions provided by the water companies in our specific cities - just follow directions and do the right thing. Easy!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 5:17 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:17:10 -0400

If there was a limited food supply should some starve so others can stuff themselves?

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jun 16 at 2015 5:33 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:33:07 -0400

I would say no. With the caveat being that the money brought in by the high rates goes to developing additional water resources for everyone. Of course, in California that will never happen.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 16 at 2015 9:27 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 21:27:33 -0400

Yes, everyone should suffer together.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 10:11 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 22:11:29 -0400

Over 80% of the water in California is used by the state's agriculture industry. The problem isn't the rich guy's hedges or lawn, or even the fountain out front. It is an issue of appearances. So if people perceive that there isn't enough water, yet rich guy's putting green is lush and watered, people get angry.
Is California willing to let the grapevines wither, the orchards dry up, and all of those vegetable fields go fallow? I rather doubt it. That means tough choices need to be made.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 17 at 2015 9:59 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 09:59:09 -0400

I have worked in this business for decades.
Water rate should be HEAVILY tiered.
Basic water usage should be subsidized by the high users.