flooded with questions: Cal Water holds it's rate increase workshop

Rate increase workshop seemed to work as quite the fly catcher as the three O'clock meeting managed to bring in more than 35 people.

(A 6pm meeting was also scheduled)

But these people had questions and comments, when the power point session ceased, the questions came one after another.

Currently, Cal Water, has filed with the Public utilities commission for an increase of nearly 38% in 2011, which would be the earliest, it would take place, according to local manager, Chris Whitley. Then it's another three, then three and a half, on top of this increase.

It certainly seems daunting to those who said they were on a fixed income to be paying these rates.

Jim Froth, Engineer with Cal Mtg. gave the presentation, with a power point, and a large talking moose.

Well we were at the Moose Lodge, and Mooses are allowed to speak there.

Froth explained that there are many natural elements in the water which is unlike other areas. On the list was arsenic, boron, antimony, e coli, iron, and flouride.

With new regulations the company has to clean up the water, not necessarily eliminate, but reduce, certain, they are calling "naturally occurring" elements.

Foth said, "You see there is much to be done with the water before it's ready to drink and be used."

The audience, whose presence at this informal meeting probably meant that the issue is not going to be easily swallowed by the locals.

One person compared his service charge to the service charge in Bakersfield. He said in Bakersfield they have a lawn and a pool, and landscaping.

Here, he said, we pay more than double.

Whitley told them that with only 4500 customers up here you can't spread the costs around as you can in larger, metropolitan areas.

However, during the last increase in 2005, the rate payers advocacy group which monitors all increases on behalf of the consumer (supposedly) created a special program where some of the improvements made for our valley, were actually spread around to other cal water customers.

Groans could be heard from the audience every time a Cal Water representative used the words quality or drinking water.

"We all buy bottled water, we don't drink that stuff."

One resident even dared them to drink their own water.

(I told them I had my hair tested and I had 100 times the normal amount of uranium in my samples. As well as some arsenic too. They just looked at me rather stunned. Yeah, I did my own sampling boys.)

Some spoke of shower heads blackened by elements in the water.

There were many questions as to why billing is still sent when no water is used.

Manager, Whitley, told them that they can call Cal Water and shut off the meter prior to leaving on vacation or for whatever reason, and they will come out and shut it off for free. As well as restore it for free.

I hope he meant it.

One of my initial predictions is the fire hazard. Four years ago, when they came to us for the 75% increase I said you're going to change the landscape here and create potential fire hazards.

I had quotes from a fire chief who agreed that if plants were not watered properly they would pose a risk which would involve more structures.

"We look like a desert up here," he continued, "I honestly think your rates up here are a fire hazard."

So, look for your notices as the PUC will have a formal meeting regarding the increases. We've done this before.

It's hard times for all and an increase like this is really not something this community is going to be able to handle.

"We can't even have a garden," one woman said.

There will be a lot to say at this meeting in December or January. It will be on record, and all who spoke today may again air their grievances.

Thank you Cal Water for the head's up. I hope we can find another solution other than the extra $5 to offset the service charge.

Then there's the water rationing we're hearing about up and down the state. That will be an interesting element.

Much like they did with electricity, usages over a certain amount are costly, that will probably be added to the new rates, the drought rates.