DROUGHT RELIEF MAY BE IN SIGHT FOR HELIX WATER USERS

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By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2016 (La Mesa) — On February 11th, the state adopted new regulations to reduce conservation mandates for water agencies that have taken steps to boost local water supplies .  Helix Water District is expected to get a credit for water bought from the new Carlsbad Desalinization plant, as well as due to high inland temperatures.  The district must apply for the break, but if approved, Helix could see its conservation mandate reduced to reducing water use by 12% instead of 20% through October 2016.

Helix customers have reduced water use 23% compared to 2013, far exceeding the Governor’s 20% required reduction for the district. If the restrictions on water use are eased, next up the board could consider easing or eliminating penalties on water users who exceed the limit—welcome relief for homeowners on larger lots struggling to keep large trees alive as hot weather arrives early.

The new drought action plan will be discussed at the next Helix board meeting on Wednesday, February 17 at 2 p.m. in the district headquarters at 7811 University Avenue, La Mesa.

The agenda also includes proposed postponement of some capital improvements due to reduced revenues. In addition, directors will consider a proposed lease renewal of land for the River Valley Equestrian Center on a 21.6 acre site.  The board will also hear a report on evaluating feasibility of a regional water reuse project as a collaboration with Padre Dam Municipal Water District, the County of San Diego, the City of El Cajon and the Helix Water District.  (For additional info on this, see the Union-Tribune article,

Padre Dam Pushing Water Purification Efforts .

Also of note:  new $300 rebates are available for water tanks that are 200 gallons or more.  For details, see www.socalwatersmart.com.

View the complete agenda and board package link for the Helix Water District Board meeting.

 

 

 

 

 


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