CONSERVATION CORNER

INFORMAL POLL LENDS INSIGHT INTO BIG BEAR'S PERCEPTION OF
THE VALLEY'S WATER SITUATION

Cutting to the quick, 70% of the respondents believed that the water shortage is real, but only 30% claim to be following the guidelines. The consensus at the water companies, based on recent water-use violations committed by family members, friends, and neighbors, is this sounds about right! Unfortunately, this means we still have a long way to go towards getting many in the community to conserve. Hopefully, this attitude won't force DWP water use beyond the monthly water budgets. If this happens, additional mandatory water-use restrictions may be in place by mid-summer.

Additionally, most respondents believed that the best solution to this problem would be to limit growth. Ironically, new water services use only a tiny fraction of the Valley's total water use annually. However, studies by other communities indicate that elimination of all new development would be devastating to our local economy. This brings us right back to the purpose of this weekly column. Conservation is the best, most cost-effective, and quickest solution towards improving our current water situation. Conservation = efficient use of water, not living without it.

Thus, follow the water-use regulations implemented by your local water provider. They were developed with the best interest of the community in mind. If our water situation becomes serious, it will negatively impact every facet of the Valley's economy. Now is the time to buy into reasonable water conservation measures. If water production becomes seriously reduced due to the continued drought, it will be too late! Lastly, help us persuade non-conservers to join the party. If you see a water-use violation, call DWP or CSD so we can discuss efficient water-use with them.

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