FogHorn Apri 30 Meeting

Posted 
on May 08, 2015
 
FOGHORN 
 
ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY
APRIL 30 MEETING 
 
Program:  David Dickson on the Current Situation of the Coastside Water District 
 
Article by Dwight Wilson
 
 
 
David Dixon, fellow Rotarian and general manager of the Coastside Water District (CWD) was our speaker for today’s program.
 
 
 
He started with the following 4 points:
  • Yes, we have enough water
  • Yes, it will rain again
  • No, there is no mandatory ration of water
  • No, there are no fines for water use
 
 
  • He also stated:
    • Water is going to cost more as water has been historically under priced
    • We need to use water differently than we have in the past.
  • He referred to the book Cadillac Desert which discussed the history of water use in a western desert climate and the massive public investment in water infrastructure.
  • California has an antiquated water rights system that dates back to the 19th century.
  • CWD gets most of their water from the San Francisco PUC and the Hetch Hetchy system.  We get approximately 90% of our water from this source with local sources making up the rest (goal is to obtain 30% from local sources).
  • There has been a significant drop in water usage since 2007 (see fact sheet) and with it significant increase in water rates as CWD has fixed cost in providing water as to all water utilities.
  • CWD does not have any non-priority connections available for purchase (see fact sheet).
  • The State has recently put out conservation mandates of 25% and CWD is required to reduce its use by 8%.  David states we are almost there and he does not anticipate any major reduction of use for this year.  Locally we use about 1/3 less water than the state average.
  • Water conservation for us really is based on simple conservation measures that all of us should be aware of.
 
I can’t resist as a footnote, the Montara Water and Sewer District is not dependent on Hetch Hetchy water and obtains most of its water from ground water.  We do not expect any water supply problems from this supply either.
 
 
April 30 2015 Meeting Recap
 
Article by Denali St. Amand
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Past President, Dave was at the helm for Dianne this week, with a touching inspiration delivered by Steve Wilson. Robin Jeffs was Past President Greeter.   Guests were Dennis with Susan Kealey , Steve's fiance, Kathy , and from the Water District, Cathleen Brennan, Water Resources Analyst and the Assistant Manager, Mary. 
 
 
 
Happy/Crappy News:  John Evans spent some delightful time with his
grandchildren over spring break in their studio art class.  He is looking for
somebody interested in being the host parent to the newly chosen foreign
exchange student.
 
Rosie enjoyed a river cruise with her grand daughter, replete with the joys
of sharing history, mythology and cultures in Europe.  There was a mishap
in Prague, however.  A young man on a scooter, while whizzing by her granddaughter, well, managed a feel at her bottom (the granddaughter's!).  The 'crapier' news turnedout to be for the young man, however, as Rosie whacked him firmly in the head with her purse!
 
Announcements:  Bonnie left envelopes at each table to collect checks for Nepal.  It won't be too late to give yours to her now, if you missed the opportunity at the meeting.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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