By Charming Evelyn, Angeles Chapter Water Committee
Metropolitan Water District, the water wholesaler that serves 26 local water agencies in the Southern California region, voted for a two-year budget that will raise water rates during the biggest economic downturn in California since the Great Depression.
On April 14th, 2020 by a vote of 69% to 31%, the district’s board approved a 3% rate hike for 2020-21 and a 4% rate hike for 2021-22. Part of that hike will cover an annual distribution of $25 million per year, or a total of $50 million, for planning for a massive tunnel through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
The tunnel, which proponents have been promoting in some form since the 1950s, will divert water from the largest west-coast estuary in North America, located about 60 miles east of San Francisco. This contentious project will harm the environment, threaten already endangered species, increase the decline of salmon, and contribute to toxic algal blooms in the Stockton area. Sierra Club California opposes the construction of the Delta tunnel. Learn more about the alternatives to the Delta Conveyance/The Tunnel.
Statement of Kathryn Phillips, Director of Sierra Club California:
“This is one of the most irresponsible actions MWD could take at a time when so many Californians are struggling to survive and pay basic bills.
“The rate increase exceeds inflation, and it includes payment for a pet tunnel project that the district should have abandoned long ago.
“Thanks, MWD, for just adding one more stressor to everyone’s life.”
Take ACTION today by contacting your local City Council and your MWD Board Representative and ask them to oppose this rate hike when it comes up for review again in August!
The cities opposed are: Burbank, Los Angeles, San Fernando and San Diego. Send them a letter of thanks!
Write your City Council/Water Agency and MWD Rep. See sample letters below.
If you are serviced by LADWP then you are represented by the City of LA – Mayor’s office
Oppose Sample letter:
Dear City Council,
I am appalled that during this pandemic of Covid-19, that our City’s Metropolitan Water District Representative Mr/Mrs/Ms___________________ would vote to increase water rates when so many of us are already suffering mental, emotional and financial anguish.
Metropolitan has the financial means and water reserves to weather this storm. This vote should have been delayed, particularly while our leaders in Sacramento have implemented a moratorium on water shut offs and are currently in negotiations to reconnect the least fortunate among us who had their water shut off prior to Covid-19.
This is one of the most irresponsible actions MWD could take at a time when so many Californians are struggling to survive and pay basic bills. As a member of your district, I ask you to oppose and direct Mr/Mrs/MS____________ to oppose any water rate hikes when the proposal is up for review in August 2020.
Thank You Sample Letter:
Dear City Council,
I’d like to express my gratitude to City Council and the City’s MWD Board representative Mr/Mrs/Ms________________ for opposing the proposed water rate hike by Metropolitan Water District voted on April 14th, 2020. I am appalled that during this pandemic of Covid-19 that Metropolitan Water District would vote to increase water rates when so many of us are already suffering mental, emotional and financial anguish.
Metropolitan has the financial means and water reserves to weather this storm. This vote should have been delayed particularly while our leaders in Sacramento have implemented a moratorium on water shut offs and are currently in negotiations to reconnect the least fortunate among us who had their water shut off prior to Covid-19.
This is one of the most irresponsible actions MWD could take at a time when so many Californians are struggling to survive and pay basic bills.
I ask that you continue to oppose this egregious assault on those who are already most affected by Covid-19 when this proposal is up for review in August 2020.
Again, thank you for your representation and ‘No’ vote.
To get involved with our local efforts or volunteer with the Water Committee contact Chair – Charming Evelyn at bcharmz@aol.com or 213-385-0903
The Angeles Chapter Water Committee meets on the 4th Thursday of every month. You can find our meetings listed on MeetUp and on the Chapter’s Schedule of Activities