01-13-2010, 12:34 PM
The public spigots were originally set up for other reasons besides a scarcity of water (Draught). They were primarily put in place because of the poor and sometimes dangerous quality of the water in many houshold catchment tanks. Acidic debris from the volcano washes down the roof, gutters and pipes to the catchment tank. The roofing material, flashing, nails, etc were breaking down and adding toxic substances to peoples water, making it unsafe to drink.
Most people use county's water for drinking, and rely on their catchment for washing, animal care, etc. If people are abusing the system, find a way to deal with it that doesn't endanger children, or economically challenged folk.
It's easy to say "dig a well", or the "technology is available to purify catchment water"; But tell that to tutu on a fixed income in a 60 year old home, or other working poor that may be one check away from being homeless.
This water costs the County very little in proportion to it's benefit to those of us who aren't in a position for an upgrade.
I'd gladly find some way to come up with three thousand bucks for a meter and pay for safe water, but it's not going to happen. I live Puna. I think I have as much right to safe water (especially when billions of gallons drain into the ocean) as Hilo residents have a right to flood control. After all, they knew they were buying in a flood plain, right?
Stoneface
Most people use county's water for drinking, and rely on their catchment for washing, animal care, etc. If people are abusing the system, find a way to deal with it that doesn't endanger children, or economically challenged folk.
It's easy to say "dig a well", or the "technology is available to purify catchment water"; But tell that to tutu on a fixed income in a 60 year old home, or other working poor that may be one check away from being homeless.
This water costs the County very little in proportion to it's benefit to those of us who aren't in a position for an upgrade.
I'd gladly find some way to come up with three thousand bucks for a meter and pay for safe water, but it's not going to happen. I live Puna. I think I have as much right to safe water (especially when billions of gallons drain into the ocean) as Hilo residents have a right to flood control. After all, they knew they were buying in a flood plain, right?
Stoneface