01-13-2010, 08:13 AM
I have been in touch with Civil Defense which is the government office apparently overseeing the public water spigots and I have their rationale for this proposal (Bill 189). Commercial haulers of water, I am told, are metered separately and billed under contract. The proposal itself does not seem to address what CD feels are legitimate concerns:
1. Abuse of the spigots for car and boat washing.
2. Increasing costs of maintaining the system and paying for the water to the Dept. of Water Supply.
My suggestion to Civil Defense, which they are considering, is to separate the two issues and consider a method of producing a revenue from the water locations. This would involve an ordinance and penalty for illegal uses such as car and boat washing with signs clearly indicating the ordinance and fine.
Secondly I suggested that parking meters be installed so that a quarter could purchase sufficient time to fill 100 gallon tank. People walking in could have free access to all the water they can carry. Farmers and gardeners would be allowed to load as much water as they like at a 25 cents per 100 gallons rate.
My calculations are that if 50% of the users freely paid a quarter that the costs of delivering public water could be reduced 25% and maintain availability for all legitimate needs. If 100% of users paid the fee willingly the costs of delivering public water could be reduced 50%.
Access to adequate water for all people at all levels of need would be preserved at minimal inconvenience and cost to the public.
1. Abuse of the spigots for car and boat washing.
2. Increasing costs of maintaining the system and paying for the water to the Dept. of Water Supply.
My suggestion to Civil Defense, which they are considering, is to separate the two issues and consider a method of producing a revenue from the water locations. This would involve an ordinance and penalty for illegal uses such as car and boat washing with signs clearly indicating the ordinance and fine.
Secondly I suggested that parking meters be installed so that a quarter could purchase sufficient time to fill 100 gallon tank. People walking in could have free access to all the water they can carry. Farmers and gardeners would be allowed to load as much water as they like at a 25 cents per 100 gallons rate.
My calculations are that if 50% of the users freely paid a quarter that the costs of delivering public water could be reduced 25% and maintain availability for all legitimate needs. If 100% of users paid the fee willingly the costs of delivering public water could be reduced 50%.
Access to adequate water for all people at all levels of need would be preserved at minimal inconvenience and cost to the public.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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