AnonymousSource: Montecito Water District
Montecito Water District’s Board of Directors have adopted Ordinance 96, eliminating the prohibition on issuance of new water meters and bringing water use restrictions up-to-date and consistent with the declared Stage 1 water shortage emergency and current water supply conditions. Effective immediately, the new Ordinance 96 repeals and replaces its predecessor, yet retains many of the water use restrictions included in Ordinance 95 that promote water conservation and aim to avoid unnecessary water waste.
The decision came at the end of a rain-filled season, and just one month after staff provided a detailed water supply update and presented an analysis on the potential increase in demand that issuing new meters might produce. The projected increase in demands resulting from the issuance of new meter equates to less than a 2% increase in the District’s overall annual water use.
While the vote was unanimous, discussion of Ordinance 96 was lengthy. Ongoing education for the public on conservation and best practices for efficient water use was of particular concern. To help address this, new meter applicants will be provided with information on best practices for efficient water use, and applicants will be encouraged to schedule an on-site, no-charge consultation with the District’s Conservation Specialist.
“It’s our duty to serve water to the population and parcels within our boundaries,” said Board President Floyd Wicks “and the District’s water supply plan now is in line with the community plan for this area. We are intentionally moving to more local, reliable supplies—which is what the voters requested. Whatever the next drought may bring, I hope that meter moratoriums will be a thing of the past for this community.”
Next month the Board is expected to approve the budget for the new fiscal year which begins July 1, 2019.
All Board and Committee meetings are open to the public, dates are posted to the online District Calendar, agendas, minutes and packets are available at the office or on the web site, and participation is encouraged.
NOTE: Information on Applying for New Meter Service can be found here
Montecito Water District’s mission is to provide an adequate and reliable supply of high quality water to the residents of Montecito and Summerland, at the most reasonable cost. In carrying out this mission, the District places particular emphasis on providing outstanding customer service, conducting its operations in an environmentally sensitive manner, and working cooperatively with other agencies. For additional information visit www.montecitowater.com, like Montecito Water District on Facebook, and follow on twitter @MontecitoWater.
