connection of clothes washers to outdoor
graywater systems, use of water-conserv-
ing irrigation hardware and controllers,
and installation of high-efficiency clothes
washers and toilets.
These rebate programs are limited
by time and funding, but residents can
easily check online or call for the latest
updates from California Department of
Water Resources, the Santa Clara Valley
Water District, PG&E and other rebate
program sponsors.
The Water District continues to offer free
Water-Wise House Calls to county residents
to help identify opportunities to conserve
water both in and outside of the home.
In November of 2015, the City of
Morgan Hill announced plans to raise
water rates. City officials notified
residents that a new rate scale was under
consideration that would require residents
whose homes were located at higher
elevations to pay more than those whose
homes were at lower elevations. Results
of a study to support their proposed rate
changes were challenged by residents.
As I write this article, concerned
residents are pe titioning the City,
requesting time to review the study, pose
questions and voice their concerns to the
City Council.
This is likely to be just one of many
difficult water issues that will face the
South County in the coming years.
Clearly, the Water District and local
government have a lot to do with our
water security. But “we the people” need
to be aware of where our water comes
from, the state of its health, and the cost
to ensure safe, clean water in the future.
We have a shared responsibility for water,
whether it involves consumption, drought
response, flood protection, groundwater
storage, recycling or some other issue.
As a well-informed community, we
can cast our vote for leaders who will
legislate and manage our water wisely,
and challenge them when they fall short.
By knowing what’s at stake and staying
engaged, we can make sound decisions
about water as people in a community
of special interests. Our willingness to
adapt our attitudes and lifestyles to a
changing world of water will put us in
the best position to protect our water for
our children.
18
Water and Us
Learn More about Water
California Department of Water Resources (water.ca.gov/)
Santa Clara Valley Water District (valleywater.org or watersavings.org)
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (usbr.gov/mp/)
Save Our Water Program
Association of California Water Agencies, Dept of Water Resources
(saveourwater.com)
City of Morgan Hill Website (mhdrought.com)
City of Gilroy Website
cityofgilroy.org/cityofgilroy/city_hall/community_services/environmen-
tal_programs/water_conservation/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3.epa.gov/watersense/)
U.S. (California) Drought Monitor (droughtmonitor.unl.edu/)
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
gmhtoday.com