Water restrictions could boost costs to consumers, farmers in California

Dec.18, 2008 in Drought, Public Works, Water Conservation, Water Crisis, Water Industry, Water Rates

(Dec. 17, 2008, The Bakersfield Californian)

Water districts that rely on the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta for much of their water supply are fuming over a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision that could potentially hike water rates for consumers and hurt farmers already smarting from a drought.

“We believe these are dangerous regulations and they will severely impact water users in Kern County and throughout the state,” said Jim Beck, general manager of the Kern County Water Agency, which contracts for water on behalf of agricultural, municipal and industrial water districts in Kern…

For now, water rates for customers of California Water Service Co. should not be affected, said Bakersfield district manager Tim Treloar.

Wells and other sources of water have thus far helped the company through the period since the court-ordered pumping restrictions took effect, Treloar said.

But wells must be replenished or new water sources found, and over the long-term, rates will probably have to go up if nothing changes, he said.

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